Sunday 30 August sits in the middle of the summer bank holiday weekend in England and Wales, with the public holiday falling on Monday 31 August. That often means a mix of family visits, day trips and longer motorway journeys. The Met Office has described the weekend as unsettled, with rain or showers at times, so a calm five-minute check before leaving can make the drive easier even if conditions change.
National Highways uses the simple T.R.I.P. reminder for longer journeys: Top-up, Rest, Inspect and Prepare. It is a useful order because it covers both the car and the driver. Here is how to apply it before setting off this Sunday morning.
Top up before the route gets busy
Check that you have enough fuel or charge for the planned route, plus a sensible margin for diversions, queues or a longer stop. National Highways recommends avoiding a low tank and checking oil and screen wash before a significant journey. Screen wash matters on wet roads because spray can quickly reduce visibility, while correct oil levels help protect the engine during a longer run.
Do not rely only on a dashboard that showed no warning yesterday. Look for fresh warning lights after starting the car, confirm that the windscreen is clear, and check that headlights, brake lights and indicators are clean and working.
Rest before tiredness becomes a problem
Plan where you could stop before you leave rather than waiting until concentration has already faded. National Highways advises taking a break at least every two hours on a long journey. A planned service-area stop is also a good moment to review the next section of the route, check the weather and make sure everyone has water.
If you feel sleepy sooner, stop sooner in a safe place. Opening a window or turning up the radio is not a substitute for rest. Share the driving where possible, and avoid beginning a long trip if you are already tired.
Inspect tyres for a loaded car
Check tyre pressure against the vehicle manufacturer's guidance, especially if the boot is carrying luggage. The correct figure may differ for a heavily loaded car. Inspect every tyre for cuts, bulges or visible damage and check the main tread grooves. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm, but the check should cover several points because wear may be uneven.
Secure bags low in the boot so they cannot move under braking, and keep the rear window and mirrors unobstructed. Loose bottles, umbrellas and charging packs should not be left where they can roll into the driver's footwell.
Prepare for wet roads and low visibility
Before departure, check the latest local forecast and road information for the whole route. Rain can bring spray, standing water and longer stopping distances. Reduce speed smoothly, leave more space from the vehicle ahead and use dipped headlights when visibility is seriously reduced. Avoid harsh steering or braking through deeper water, and never enter floodwater when the depth or road edge is uncertain.
Carry a charged phone, drinking water, any essential medication, warm or waterproof clothing and breakdown-cover details. A torch and high-visibility clothing can also be useful if the journey is delayed into the evening.
Recommended for bank holiday breakdown readiness
JUFO 3-in-1 Roadside Breakdown Kit — £17.95
A compact option for keeping a warning triangle, high-visibility vest and 2-in-1 escape tool together in the car. Store it where it can be reached without unpacking the whole boot.
If the car develops a problem
If possible, leave the motorway at the next exit or service area. If that is not possible, move left into a place of relative safety, switch on hazard lights and follow National Highways breakdown guidance. When it is safe to exit, use the left-hand doors and wait well behind a barrier. If the vehicle stops in a live lane and it is not safe to get out, keep seatbelts on, keep hazards on and call 999.
Do not place a warning triangle on a motorway carriageway, and do not attempt a repair beside fast-moving traffic. Your priority is people, not the vehicle.
A calmer Sunday starts before the engine
The best bank holiday drive is usually the one with the fewest surprises: enough fuel, suitable tyre pressures, clean glass, a planned break and essential items within reach. Five minutes of preparation can reduce avoidable delays and leave more attention for the road.
For current guidance, see GOV.UK bank holidays, National Highways T.R.I.P. resources, National Highways vehicle checks and the Met Office bank holiday outlook.
