Saturday offers a useful preparation window for drivers in London and South East England. The Met Office update issued at 03:05 says the day begins fresh, fine and dry. Cloud may build later with a risk of a light afternoon shower, while gusty winds can make the near-average temperature feel cool. Before a weekend journey, use the calmer start to check the car, plan the route and secure the equipment you may need.
Begin with the driver and the route
Do not start a journey when tired. The Highway Code recommends a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving, so include realistic stops rather than treating arrival time as a target. Check the current forecast and road information, allow for delays and confirm that there is enough fuel or charge for the route. Clothing and footwear must allow safe use of the controls.
Make sure the mirrors, seat and head restraint are correctly adjusted before moving. Put the phone away unless it is being used lawfully in a suitable hands-free arrangement, and keep emergency contact details available. Preparation should reduce distraction rather than add another task after the car is already moving.
Complete a five-minute vehicle walkaround
Look at every tyre for visible damage and check pressures when the tyres are cold, using the vehicle handbook or door-frame label. Confirm that headlights, brake lights and indicators work. Clean the windscreen, windows, mirrors, number plates and light lenses, then top up screenwash with the correct mixture. Check oil and coolant in line with the manufacturer's instructions.
These are simple checks, but they cannot make an unroadworthy vehicle safe. If a warning light remains on, a tyre is damaged or any essential system is not working correctly, keep the vehicle parked and arrange professional help.
Pack the boot so nothing becomes a hazard
The Highway Code says that loads must be secured and must not stick out dangerously. A water bottle, tool or emergency pouch should not roll around the cabin or enter the driver's footwell. Place heavier items low in the boot and use straps or the vehicle's storage points. Keep a high-visibility vest within easy reach so it can be put on before stepping out near traffic.
A compact roadside kit is most useful when everyone who drives the car knows where it is and what it contains. Read the instructions in advance and inspect the contents periodically. The kit supports preparation; it does not replace breakdown cover, safe judgement or professional assistance.
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The compact kit combines a high-visibility vest, warning triangle and emergency window breaker with seatbelt cutter. Secure it in the boot, keep the vest accessible and review the instructions before an emergency. A warning triangle should only be used where it is safe and legal, and never on a motorway.
Know the safe breakdown response
On a motorway or another high-speed road, the safest place to stop is a service area or other designated parking place. If the vehicle develops a problem, leave at the next exit or enter a service area when that can be done safely. Follow the Highway Code's current instructions for smart motorways and other road types, and contact the appropriate service.
On an ordinary road, a warning triangle may be placed at least 45 metres behind the vehicle on the same side only when it is safe to do so. Never place one on a motorway. Do not stand where moving traffic puts you at risk, and do not attempt a roadside repair that requires working in a dangerous position.
Make one final check before departure
Confirm doors and the boot are properly closed, passengers are belted and the driving position is clear. Recheck the live forecast because the timing of cloud, showers and gusts can change after this article is published. A fresh, dry start is an opportunity to prepare calmly, not a guarantee that conditions will remain the same throughout the journey.
Sources: Met Office: London and South East England forecast; The Highway Code: fitness and vehicle preparation; The Highway Code: breakdowns and incidents; THINK!: vehicle safety checks.
