Breakdown Prevention Checklist Before a Long Journey from Manchester

Based on fifteen years of attending breakdowns across Greater Manchester, our team sees the same preventable failures time and again. A systematic pre-trip vehicle check takes approximately 15 minutes and can prevent a breakdown that costs hours, significant money, and considerable stress. Here is the complete checklist we recommend for any journey over 100 miles.

Tyre Checks

1. 1
   Check tyre pressure on all four tyres and the spare — use the pressures in your handbook or door sill sticker, not the tyre sidewall.
2. 2
   Inspect each tyre for cuts, bulges, or objects embedded in the tread.
3. 3
   Check tread depth — minimum 1.6mm legally, 3mm recommended for motorway travel.
4. 4
   Confirm the spare is inflated — a flat spare is useless and dangerous.

Fluid Levels

1. 1
   Engine oil — check cold, on a level surface, wait 5 minutes after switching off.
2. 2
   Coolant — check when cold only; never open a hot coolant cap.
3. 3
   Screen wash — especially before motorway driving where dirty spray builds up rapidly.
4. 4
   Power steering fluid if applicable — low fluid causes the pump to fail suddenly.
5. 5
   Brake fluid — if below minimum, have the brakes inspected before driving far.

Lights and Electrical

1. 1
   Walk around the car with a helper to check all lights including brake lights and indicators.
2. 2
   Test the horn.
3. 3
   Ensure all windows are fully clean and wipers are effective.
4. 4
   Charge your phone fully and bring a charging cable.

Emergency Kit

• High-visibility vest — one for the driver and one per passenger ideally.
• Warning triangle for non-motorway use.
• Torch — with working batteries or a rechargeable model.
• Foil emergency blanket.
• Phone charger or power bank.
• Basic first aid kit.
• Recovery company number saved in your phone — save Greater Tow Services before you leave Manchester.