The family car is the hub of modern life, faithfully transporting you and your family through school runs, weekly shops, work commutes and family getaways. With your most precious passengers on board, their safety is naturally your highest priority. It’s easy to assume a modern vehicle is safe straight off the production line, but taking a proactive role in your car’s upkeep and how you prepare for journeys makes a tangible difference.
Regular servicing and maintenance
Keeping up with your car’s servicing schedule is more than just a box-ticking exercise to preserve its resale value; it is fundamental to its safety. A qualified mechanic can spot underlying issues that you might not notice, such as worn brake pads or a slow leak in the cooling system, before they become dangerous failures on the road.
Between services, you can perform simple yet effective checks yourself. Under-inflated tyres can affect braking and handling, while worn tread drastically reduces grip in wet weather, increasing the risk of skidding on a slippery roundabout. You can check the tread depth easily with a 20p coin; if you can see the outer band of the coin when it’s placed in the tread, the tyre may be illegal and unsafe.
Regularly check your lights are all working too – this ensures you can see the road clearly and, just as importantly, that other drivers can see you. Make these checks a regular part of your routine.
Safety features to prioritise
Familiarise yourself with your car’s manual to understand how all its safety systems operate. Airbags and robust seatbelts are standard, but systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) provide an active layer of safety. If you have to brake sharply, ABS prevents the wheels from locking up, which allows you to maintain steering control and potentially avoid a hazard.
For anyone with young children, child locks on the rear doors are an indispensable feature. A curious toddler can easily find a door handle, and activating the child lock provides complete peace of mind that a door cannot be opened from the inside while you are driving.
Preparing for long family trips
A long journey for a family holiday or to visit relatives requires a different level of preparation. Before you set off, double-check that your children’s car seats are installed correctly. A seat that is too loose will not provide adequate protection in a collision.
Having plenty of water and snacks on hand not only keeps the children happy but also helps the driver stay alert and hydrated, which is crucial for maintaining concentration over several hours. Before you set off, perform a final check on all restraints and packed essentials.
Insurance and peace of mind
While careful driving and vehicle maintenance prevent accidents, having the right insurance provides a vital safety net for when things go wrong. Comprehensive cover ensures that, in the event of an incident, you have the financial support to get your vehicle repaired and your family back on the road. Adding breakdown assistance to your policy is also a sensible step.
As your family’s needs change, so should your insurance. Your policy should reflect your lifestyle, whether that involves a long commute or frequent holiday road trips. For those who invest in a larger vehicle for getaways, having specialist cover like motorhome insurance provides tailored protection for a different kind of family asset. Review your policy annually to ensure it still meets your family’s needs.