Hints for Safer Holiday Motoring
Driving long distances (especially on a hot day) surrounded by other traffic can put a lot of stress on you and your car. So it is important you're both in top shape!

Preparing Your Car
It's annoying if your car breaks down, but it can also be dangerous - especially, if it happens in the middle of a highway.
You can increase your chances of having a holiday free of car trouble, by having the engine tuned before you leave. It will use less petrol and it is less likely to break down. While your car is being tuned, you could ask the mechanic to carry out a number of other checks as well.
However, there's a lot you can quite easily do yourself - some of it should be part of your regular car maintenance anyway. The last thing you want is a car that will not start, meaning you need to call break down help. Whatever you choose, do it far enough in advance to fix any problems.

Battery
Make sure the terminals are clean and free of corrosion (grey/green deposits), the connections are tight and the battery's securely clamped in place.
Some modern batteries are maintenance free. However, for older style ones with caps on top you need to check the fluid level and top it up with distilled water if necessary (the plates inside the battery should be covered by about 5ml of fluid)
Don't forget to replace the caps securely.
Corroded cables and a weak battery cause starting trouble and computer failure. Have the battery and charging system checked if the engine is hard to start.

Oil Level
Check the dipstick and - if necessary - top up with the oil grade specified in your owner's manual.
If after two or three tries there's still no oil showing on the dipstick, your oil system may have a leak. Don't start the engine; call your repairer for assistance.

Don't overfill the oil to be on the safe side - this causes its own problems.

Plugs and Filters
Worn plugs waste petrol and increase exhaust emissions. They also cause the engine to run poorly. They're inexpensive to replace and will actually pay for themselves.
Scheduled replacement of air, oil and most importantly petrol, transmission and other filters extend car life and improve performance.

Radiator
Never remove the radiator cap while the engine's still hot. The cooling system is under pressure and you could be sprayed with steam and hot coolant.
The radiator should be completely filed with water and coolant, which also protects the engine from corrosion. Top it up if necessary.
If in an emergency, and you have to use water, make sure it's as clean as possible. Replace the coolant at your first opportunity, as some engine parts may corrode quickly.
Periodic servicing of the cooling system helps prevent deterioration of radiator and heater core.

Brakes
If they squeak or if your car pulls to one side when you're breaking, it's time to see your repairer. Postponing needed brake service, in addition to being a safety hazard, will escalate the cost of a braking system overhaul.

Belts Wires & Hoses
Check all wires (for example, the spark plug leads) for tight connection.
A slipping belt can affect engine cooling, alternator, power steering, and air conditioner. Replace worn belts before they let you down.
Brittle or rotten cooling system hoses can lead to overheating. Others hoses, such as vacuum and power steering hoses, can hinder performance and safety if they're in bad shape.

Suspension and Tyres
Deteriorated shocks or struts affect ride control and shorten tyre life. The rubber boots protect the critical CV joints that deliver power to your wheels. They should be inspected regularly and replaced as needed.
Check that all tyres (including the spare) have enough tread (at least 3-4 mm), and are inflated to the right pressure.
If your car is loaded heavily, increase the pressure according to the manufacturer's recommendations and check your owner's manual or the sticker inside the car - often in the glove box or on the drivers door panel.
Look for damage and abnormal wear, which could indicate problems with the wheel alignment or the suspension.
Make sure the jack and other equipment needed to change a tyre are in good working order, and you know how to use them. Do you know where your car's lifting points are?

Lights and Other Functions
Check that the headlights, indicators, tail, brake and reverse lights are working properly and replace bulbs or fuses if necessary.
Check the windscreen wipers, don't wait for a rainy day to replace worn blades. Remember the demisting system and fill up the windscreen washer tank. The steering wheel should not have more than about 2cm of play. If it does, get it fixed.

Loading the Car
Load the car in a way that doesn't obstruct your vision
do not put to much weight in the back as this may affect your car's steering and the coverage of your headlights.

Preparing Yourself
Together with drink driving and speeding, driver fatigue is one of the major courses of road accidents. This type of accident tends to be more severe than average, as the fatigued driver usually doesn't have the reflexes to brake or take evasive action.
If you leave after a full day's work, you are likely to be tired already and shouldn't plan to cover a long distance.
If you are getting up very early, to beat the traffic, make sure you get full nights sleep.
Ensure the car is well ventilated, as a lack of oxygen will make you tired more quickly.
Take regular breaks on long journeys, about 15 minutes every two hours. Get out of the car to stretch and walk around. If you plan ahead you may even be able to take your rests at scenic spots.
Share the driving if possible. If there is only one driver the passengers can help keep them entertained and awake, and remind them to take the necessary brakes.
Try to avoid driving during the hottest times of the day if your car is not air-conditioned. Eat light meals rather than heavy fatty food, and keep your fluid levels up, as dehydration will make you tired.
Make sure everyone wears seatbelts and everyone is properly restrained.

Towing Tips
If you use your caravan or boat trailer only occasionally, it may have deteriorated whilst in storage, and so may your towing skills!! If you have never towed before, these tips will help you too!

Make Sure Your Trailer Is Roadworthy
Check the tyres for tread, pressure and deterioration (particularly if they are exposed to the sun a lot).
Have the wheel bearings checked, especially on boat trailers, as they are regularly immersed in water.
Check the trailers wiring and make sure all lights work properly.
Check the tow bar and safety chains on your car for damage or loose connections.
Make sure your trailer doesn't exceed maximum tow weight for your car (see owners manual) and towbar (usually indicated on a placard attached to the towbar)
Practise driving, particularly reversing and parking, with your trailer in tow, before you leave on your trip.
Drive more carefully than you would if you weren't towing a trailer. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front, as you will require a longer braking distance.
Accelerate and brake gently. Steer gently and consistently around corners and avoid braking in corners.
If the trailer starts swaying accelerate gently or apply only the trailer brakes if they are fitted,
If you have a queue of traffic behind you, pull over when it is safe to do so, to let the cars behind you pass. Otherwise other drivers may be provoked into making risky overtaking manoeuvres.