Every driver dreams of having the road to themselves for a perfect cross country drive. That first proper throttle blip of the weekend. The sound of tyres rolling over tarmac. The smell of petrol or the hum of a high RPM EV motor. But before you get there, there’s one place that separates serious car lovers from the rest: the garage. Or as we like to call it — your pit lane.
Just like in motorsport, preparation is everything. You don’t see F1 drivers roll out without a pit crew check. So why should your road car be any different? Here’s how to make sure you’re ready for the road, just like the pros.
1. Diagnose Like a Pro (OBD is Your Crew Chief)
If you’re not already using an OBD2 scanner, now’s the time. Devices like Carly plug right into your car’s onboard computer and give you live diagnostic info straight to your phone. Fault codes? Battery health? Upcoming maintenance warnings? It’s all there.
Think of it as having your own crew chief in your pocket — always ready to flag a fault before it turns into a breakdown. And with 47% of car breakdowns happening right at home, this isn’t just tech for show. It’s essential gear for anyone serious about their car’s health.
2. Fluids: The Lifeblood of Performance
Oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid — they don’t just sit there. They work hard, and if you’re not checking them regularly, you’re leaving your car exposed. Low or dirty oil? That’s a fast track to long-term engine damage. Overheating due to old coolant? Weekend ruined.
Get into the habit of checking and topping up. Make it part of your ritual. You wouldn’t track a car without knowing it’s been properly serviced — same goes for your daily driver.
3. Tyres Win Races (and Save Your Weekend)
Your tyres are the only contact your car has with the road. Grip, fuel economy, and ride comfort all depend on them. So treat them like the high-performance components they are.
Check your pressure. Check the tread. Look out for uneven wear. Whether you’re driving a GTI or a grand tourer, the wrong tyre pressure can kill your cornering confidence and your fuel bill.
4. Battery = Go or No-Go
Modern cars draw power even when parked — think alarms, ECUs, comfort systems. That means your battery is working harder than ever. Before a long drive, give it a once-over. Clean terminals, a strong charge, and ideally less than five years old.
Nothing kills the mood like a dead battery five minutes after packing the car for a trip.
5. Fuel — Top Off, Don’t Roll the Dice
Running low on fuel might seem harmless, but modern engines — especially direct injection units — don’t love it. Sediment at the bottom of the tank can clog filters. And don’t count on rural filling stations being open when you need them.
Top up ahead of time. It’s not just smart — it’s part of the plan.
Final Thought: Be Your Own Pit Crew
You don’t need a garage full of pro tools to treat your car like it deserves. Just a smart approach, a few checks, and a bit of pride in what you drive. Whether you’re setting off on a spirited B-road blast or just trying to avoid the dreaded AA callout before a family trip — preparation wins.
Your garage is your pit lane. Treat it that way.
