All About National Highways' TRIP Campaign

Halfords is proud to partner with National Highways to support their TRIP campaign. The T-R-I-P campaign aims to help drivers stay safe and prepared on the roads by focusing on four key areas: Topping up essential fluids and fuel, taking regular Rests, Inspecting tyres, and Preparing for all weather conditions.

Halfords is here all year round to help you stay on top of these important checks, but it’s even more important to be prepared during the winter period due to rapid weather changes from heavy rain to snow and ice.

Booking a car check such as our Winter Preparation Service or 10-Point Car Check before any long journey but especially when the weather is colder and darker. 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 winter 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 the weather is darker, and visibility is reduced.

• 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.

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. Rest stops allow you to stretch, rehydrate, and refresh your mind, helping to keep 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.

During the winter period, being prepared is more important than ever. Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in the UK, so it’s vital to be prepared for anything from rain to fog, 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. In summer, keep water and sunglasses handy.
• 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.

To help ensure your vehicle is prepped for the colder, wetter and icier weather, you can book in for our 15-point Winter Preparation Service, including tyre, battery and wiper blade checks as well as an antifreeze change (worth £39.99) and revolutionary Duxback treatment (worth £25.00).

The full Winter Preparation checks include:

• Exterior light bulb check
• Wiper blade condition check
• Battery health check
• Windscreen chip check
• MOT due date plus reminder
• Tyre depth check
• Tyre inflation check plus top-up
• Oil level check
• Screen wash top-up
• Ad blue level check
• Antifreeze change (worth £39.99)
• Duxback windscreen treatment (worth £25.00)
• Check starter motor and chargin system Check Ancillary drive belts
• Air con temperature check

Remember, as a Free Halfords Motoring Club member, you’ll receive a free 10-Point Car Check or enjoy double the value with TWO 10-Point Car Checks included when you upgrade to 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, suspension and steering.