Check your vehicle is regularly serviced, consult your service book. It can be all too easy to overlook the correct service date.

Check the operation of all exterior lights to ensure they comply to any legal requirements. All headlights and indicator lenses must be free from any damage such as cracks or missing glass or plastic. Remember to keep the lights clean.

Check front and rear wiper blades for wear or splitting. Do check windscreen washers making sure that they are adjusted correctly. Screen wash additive is also recommended.

Ensure all dashboard warning lights operate correctly. If not, consult your owner's handbook or call your local dealer.

Check oil and water levels. Ensure they are topped up correctly. Pay particular attention to the electric fan.

Inspect your battery electrolyte level topping this up with distilled water if necessary. Do check the battery connections ensuring that they are tight and free from any corrosion. Do not forget that battery acid is highly corrosive to skin and paint work.

Make sure the fan belt is of the correct tension and in good condition, adjust or replace as required. Ensure ignition key is removed from the vehicle before checking.

Tyre condition should be checked, (inc. the spare) for tyre pressure and legal tread depth. The current minimum legal tread depth for cars and light commercial vehicles (up to 3500 kg gvw) is 1.6mm.

Note: It is generally acknowledged that the greater the tread depth the more efficient the tyre is of clearing water in its path, making driving in poor conditions safer.

Inspect the jack and wheel brace making sure you are confident about their use. If locking wheel nuts are fitted, ensure locking key is safely stowed away in the car. It may be useful to practise changing the spare wheel, following instructions from your owner's handbook).

Inspect car keys for wear and condition. Replace if necessary. Remember, a worn key will quickly wear out a lock barrel causing the lock to jam. Make sure you have a spare set of keys for your car in a safe place. This also applies to alarm fobs. It is worth noting that batteries in the fob will also require replacement at least twice a year, to maintain operating performance.

Note: If you are in any doubt about these tips consult your handbook or your local dealer.

Consider the option of air conditioning when buying a car. This can be useful in winter as well as in summer to help demist your vehicle quickly and reduce condensation.

Plan your route. Remember on long motorway journeys it is advisable to pull into motorway service areas for regular breaks. Set out in plenty of time.

Take something to eat and drink, just in case you are unlucky enough to get caught in any traffic congestion.

Do not fill the fuel tank to the brim on especially hot days. As with most liquids fuel will expand. This could lead to fuel leaking out of the filler neck of the fuel tank or breather.

If you plan to take a caravan, ensure you maintain your vehicle paying particular attention to brakes and tyres.

Note: Caravan tyres can get very old before they wear out. Examine them carefully for any signs of splitting or cracks in the side wall or tread, replacing as required.

Never overload your vehicle or caravan beyond their designed carrying capacity - consult your owner's manual for the relevant information on your vehicle. If you are in any doubt you can get your vehicle weighed at a local weigh bridge.

Always leave plenty of room between you and the car in front. When your car is loaded its braking distance will be increased.

If you plan to tour abroad call RAC Travel Services to ensure that you, your car and your passengers have the necessary advice and documents for travel in the country of your choice.

Listen to radio reports of any delays or road closures. (Consult RAC Travel Services for latest road reports)

If you take any medication ensure you have extra supplies if necessary.

Heavy duty jump leads. Take care to follow any instructions issued with the leads.

Note: On vehicles using electronic modules to control the ignition, incorrect usage of the jump leads could result in the modules being damaged.

A good tow rope. Ensuring any towing hooks that some vehicles now use are in the car, and that you also know how to remove the plastic cover (often located in the bumper), where the hook screws in.

A good first aid kit.

A high quality torch. Preferably with long life / spare batteries.

A warning triangle.

A fire extinguisher.

A spare fuel can.

A light bulb kit.

Spare cans of engine oil and water.

A good up to date road map.