All About National Highways' TRIP Campaign

Halfords is proud to partner with National Highways to support their TRIP road safety campaign. The T.R.I.P campaign aims to help drivers stay safe and prepared on the roads by focusing on four key areas.

What does T.R.I.P stand for?

The T.R.I.P campaign encourages drivers to carry out essential motoring steps to ensure safer driving, such as:

1. Topping up essential fluids and fuel.
2. Taking regular Rests.
3. Inspecting tyres.
4. Preparing for all weather conditions.

Halfords is here all year round to help you stay on top of these important checks, whether it’s rain, sun, or snow!

Prepare for every journey

Booking a car check, such as our 10-Point Car Check or the fully comprehensive and detailed 30-point check, is vital to:

• Reduce your chances of breaking down mid-journey.
• Ensure the safety of your passengers and family.

By following all the TRIP principles, with particular focus on preparation, you can ensure that every journey is safer and smoother.

Before we delve into how to prepare for drives in all types of British weather, let’s take a look at each of the TRIP principles…

Before setting out on any journey, it’s important to ensure your vehicle has everything it needs to run smoothly. This means checking and topping up essential items like fuel, battery charge, engine oil, and screen wash, which is especially important when unexpected rain reduces visibility and long road trips return.

• Fuel/Battery: Running out of fuel or battery charge can leave you stranded, especially in remote areas or on long journeys. Check your fuel gauge or your electric vehicle’s battery charge before setting off to avoid unnecessary breakdowns.
• Oil: Low engine oil levels can lead to severe damage to your engine. Make sure to check oil levels regularly and top up if needed.
• Screenwash: Clear visibility is crucial for safe driving. Always ensure your screenwash reservoir is full to keep your windshield clean, especially in adverse weather conditions or during insect season.

Driving for long periods without resting can lead to fatigue, which significantly increases the risk of accidents.

National Highways recommends taking 15-minute breaks every two hours on long trips. Regular rest stops allow you to:

- Stretch your cramped legs.

- Fully rehydrate.

- Rest and refresh your mind, keeping your concentration sharp.

Signs of fatigue, such as yawning or difficulty focusing, should not be ignored. If you start feeling tired, it’s essential to pull over safely and take a short break before continuing your journey.

Tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so they play a critical role in your safety, particularly on icy and wet roads.

Under the TRIP campaign, drivers are encouraged to inspect their tyres regularly, paying close attention to:

• Tread Depth: The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm. Tyres with worn tread may struggle to grip the road, especially in wet conditions, increasing the risk of skidding.
• Tyre Pressure: Under-inflated or over-inflated tyres can affect handling, braking, and fuel efficiency. Make sure to check tyre pressure regularly and adjust it according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
• Condition: Look for any damage to the tyres, such as cracks, bulges, or punctures, and replace them if necessary.

If you’re worried about your tyre’s condition, you can book a free tyre check at your local Halfords and receive expert advice for peace of mind.

Regardless of the weather, preparing before longer journeys is vital.

Whether you’re heading out on a long-distance road trip or just travelling to your next campsite, prior preparation is vital for a safe and memorable trip. Brilliant sunshine can suddenly turn into thunderstorms and rain, so keeping an eye on the weather forecast before setting off is just as relevant during summer as in winter.

Prepare for the summer months

Prepare ahead of hot summer drives with these seasonal tips:

• Cabin comfort: Check your air-con system is working efficiently to keep yourself and your passengers cool, reduce driver fatigue, and support visibility by clearing humid windscreens.
• Sun protection: Great for shielding children from glaring sunlight or reducing the temperature in your cabin while parked, sun shades are the perfect summer road trip addition.
• Avoid allergies: Replace your cabin filter to prevent pollen, dust, mould and other contaminants from entering your car, improving your air-con’s efficiency and passenger breathing comfort.
• Pack hot weather essentials: Remember to bring along your sunglasses, suncream, and plenty of water to maintain hydration levels and health. Cool bags are great for keeping your snacks and drinks cool during warmer weather!
• Prepare your battery: Heat can accelerate internal wear and prematurely age your battery, especially as you rely more heavily on your air-con. Long road trips are great for recharging your battery - but don’t get stranded! Bring some jump starters along just in case.

Prepare for the winter months

During winter, weather conditions can change rapidly, so it’s vital to be prepared for anything from rain and fog to ice or snow. The TRIP campaign encourages drivers to check the weather forecast before setting off and to prepare accordingly. Here are a few key tips:

• Pack essentials: In colder months, ensure you have de-icer, an ice scraper, and warm clothing in case of emergencies.
• Adjust driving: Slow down in adverse weather conditions and maintain a greater distance between your vehicle and the one ahead, as stopping distances increase on wet or icy roads.
• Bulbs and wipers: Ensure your headlights and wipers are in good working order for clear visibility in poor conditions.

Our 10-Point Car Check is ideal year-round for providing peace of mind before any long journey. This check includes:

• Headlight & brake light check
• Wiper blade condition check
• Battery health check
• Tyre depth check
• Tyre inflation check & top up
• Windscreen chip check
• MOT due date reminder (UK only)
• Oil level check
• Screen wash top up
• AdBlue & coolant check

Remember, as a Free Halfords Motoring Club member, you’ll receive a free 10-Point Car Check or enjoy double the value with 2 x 10-Point Car Checks included when you upgrade to a Premium membership! With a range of additional perks and benefits, the Halfords Motoring Club is the ideal partner for all your motoring needs.

If you require a more comprehensive check, our 30-Point Car Safety Inspection is the best option. The check includes a range of interior and exterior checks, including tyres, the exhaust, brakes, and steering.

To help ensure your vehicle is prepped for the colder, wetter and icier weather, you can book in for our 14-point Winter Preparation Service.

This comprehensive and proactive service includes tyre, battery and wiper blade checks as well as an antifreeze change (worth £39.99) and a revolutionary Duxback treatment (worth £25).

The full Winter Preparation checks include:

• Exterior light bulb check
• Wiper blade condition check
• Battery health check
• Windscreen chip check
• Tyre depth check
• Tyre inflation check, plus top-up
• Oil level check
• Screen wash top-up
• Ad blue level check
• Antifreeze change
• Duxback windscreen treatment
• Checks of starter motor and charging system
• Check of Ancillary drive belts
• Air con temperature check

Your local Halfords garage is here to help with motoring checks and services to keep you on track – or for extra convenience, our Halfords Mobile Experts can come to you at home or work.

By following the principles of the TRIP campaign - Top-Up, Rest, Inspect, and Prepare - drivers can reduce the risk of breakdowns, accidents, and other issues on the road.

Halfords and National Highways encourage all motorists to incorporate these safety measures into their regular driving routine to ensure smoother, safer journeys every time!