Preparing Your Performance Car For A Road Trip
The thrill of a supercar road trip or a luxury holiday in your high-performance vehicle is an experience like no other. From the Scottish Highlands to the Mediterranean coast, what could be better than the twisting roads, breathtaking scenery, and exhilaration of driving your dream car? But before you embark on your adventure, it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle is ready for the journey. Our luxury car insurance experts are running through their supercar maintenance tips to prepare you for the long drive ahead.
Fluid Levels
Before setting off on your journey, check and top up all the essential fluid levels. This includes engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and if your luxury car has an automatic transmission, the transmission fluid. This will ensure the engine is running smoothly, isn’t in danger of overheating, and that you’ll be getting optimal braking performance.
Tyres
Properly inflated and maintained tyres are essential for safety and performance, whether for a supercar holiday or just your everyday driving. First, check the tyre’s tread depth. In the UK and Europe, the legal tread depth for cars is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. That being said, the shallower your tread depth, the less grip you’re likely to have in wet or wintery conditions. We recommend replacing your tyres when they approach the 3mm mark.
Next, check the tyre pressure, referring to the owner’s manual for recommended pressure levels. Just bear in mind that recommended pressure levels can change based on the weight or load carried by your car. If you’ve packed your performance car with weighty luggage, it’s worth pumping that pressure up towards the higher end of the recommended level!
Brakes
Efficient brakes are a vital step to check for supercar maintenance. We’ve already mentioned the brake fluid above but it’s always worth repeating. If it’s been a while since the fluid was replaced, considering having the brake fluid changed to ensure your car is stopping properly. You should also inspect your brake pads and rotors to make sure they are in good condition and have sufficient thickness. While new brake pads are around 10-12mm thick, brake pads around 3mm are close to warn out and should be replaced.
Lights
Optimal visibility is crucial for safe driving, so do a visual inspection of each of your supercar’s lights before your holiday to make sure they’re all working. This includes the headlights and taillights, as well as indicators and brake lights. If any are out, replace them!
Take Out High-Performance Car Insurance
While not strictly a part of your supercar maintenance, ensuring you have a suitable luxury car insurance policy is essential. Performance cars often require specialised insurance coverage that can be tailored to the unique nature of each vehicle. Before embarking on your supercar road trip, check whether your supercar insurance includes breakdown cover and whether it covers you driving abroad. Having the right insurance ensures peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the thrill of the journey.
If you’re currently in the market for high-performance car insurance, consider coming to us at Prestige. We’re a specialist car insurance broker offering bespoke policies designed specifically for luxury supercar owners. Our high-performance car insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage, including breakdown assistance and international driving, and can be tailored to the exact requirements of both you and your vehicle.
General Tips For Your Supercar Road Trip
So that’s our checklist for your supercar holiday covered, but here are a few extra tips to help you out with the journey ahead:
- Route Planning – We strongly recommend planning your route in advance. While it might seem tempting to simply drive out into the known and discover where the road takes you, you’re far more likely to find scenic routes and interesting stops with a bit of forward thinking. GPS navigation or smartphone apps can be invaluable tools for this.
- Rest Stops – If you’re sticking to a strict schedule, make sure you factor in regular rest stops to stretch your legs and take a break from driving. Long stretches of driving can be fatiguing, especially in a high-performance luxury car.
- Supplies – This might seem like an obvious one, but it’s worth repeating to avoid any mishaps! Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, a first aid kit, and any necessary medications.
- Documentation – Carry your driver’s licence, registration, supercar insurance details, and any other necessary travel documents you may need. This is particularly important if you’re going to be driving abroad as you may need certain documentation for border crossings, for example.
That’s it! Get ready to hit the road in style and make memories that will last a lifetime behind the wheel of your luxury car!
Are you planning a supercar road trip or holiday this summer? Get in touch today and we’ll match you with a suitable performance car insurance policy to ensure every aspect of your journey is covered. Call us on 01202 754900 and we can tailor a quote to your needs. Alternatively, fill out an online quote form and we’ll get back to you to discuss your supercar insurance.