Christmas Road Trip Checklist: Car Checks, Kit and Planning

A good Christmas road trip comes down to three things: a car that is ready for winter, a boot packed with the right kit, and enough time built in that delays do not spoil the day. This checklist covers all three.

What should I check on the car before a long winter drive?

Most festive breakdowns are avoidable. A few minutes on the driveway the weekend before you travel is worth it.

• Tyres: check the tread depth and pressures, including the spare if you have one. Cold weather lowers pressures, so check them when the tyres are cold.

• Lights: walk round the car with every light on, including brake lights and indicators. Dark afternoons mean you will be using them for most of the trip.

• Wipers and screenwash: replace smeared or split blades and top up with a screenwash that is rated for low temperatures.

• Battery: if the engine has been slow to turn over on cold mornings, have the battery tested before you set off.

• Fluids and warning lights: check the oil and coolant levels, and do not set off with a warning light showing on the dashboard.

If you would rather someone else looked the car over, our service centre in Barnsley can carry out the checks for you. There is more on getting ready for the cold in our guide to winter car checks.

What should I keep in the car for a Christmas journey?

Pack a small winter kit that stays in the boot until spring:

• an ice scraper and de-icer

• a torch with spare batteries

• a phone charging cable or power bank

• warm blankets, a coat, hats and gloves for everyone

• bottled water and some snacks that will not melt or crumble everywhere

• a high-visibility vest and a warning triangle

• a small shovel and something for grip, such as an old mat, if you are heading somewhere rural

Make sure your windows, mirrors and lights are fully cleared of ice and snow before you move off, not just a small patch on the windscreen.

How do I keep children and passengers happy on the way?

Long journeys go more smoothly when everyone has something to do. Download playlists, audiobooks and films before you leave, because mobile signal can drop out on rural roads. Give older children an activity pack or a simple game to play, such as counting Christmas trees in windows. For younger ones, plan stops roughly every couple of hours.

Keep the driver's snacks and drink within easy reach so nobody is passing things forward at speed, and ask a passenger to look after hand-outs.

Can I put Christmas decorations on my car?

Light decorations are fine as long as they are secure and do not block your view, cover your lights or number plates, or distract you. Reindeer antlers and a nose on the grille are popular, but take them off before a motorway trip, as they can come loose at speed. Do not hang anything from the mirror or stick lights on the dashboard where they could reflect in the windscreen.

How do I plan the route around Christmas traffic?

The days just before Christmas are some of the busiest on the roads. Set off early, check for roadworks and closures before you leave, and allow extra time. A planned break at a service station or a stop somewhere interesting turns a long drive into part of the day out.

Pack presents carefully. Heavy items should go low in the boot rather than on the parcel shelf, where they can become dangerous in a sudden stop.

Common questions

Do I need winter tyres for a Christmas trip in the UK?

They are not a legal requirement in the UK. Good all-season or summer tyres with plenty of tread are fine for most journeys, but our guide to winter tyres explains when they are worth having.

How often should I stop on a long drive?

The Highway Code recommends a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours. With children in the car you will probably stop more often anyway.

What if the car breaks down on the way?

Get everyone out on the side away from traffic if it is safe, stand well back from the road and call your breakdown provider. Keep warm clothing in the car so waiting in the cold is bearable.

Need the car checked before you travel?

Call our service centre in Barnsley on 01226 574321 to book a check before the Christmas getaway. If you are thinking about a bigger, more comfortable car for family trips, have a look at the cars we have in stock or call sales on 01226 574410.

Updated October 2026.