UK Road Trip to Newcastle – Why Should You Care About Tyres in Wakefield?
Last December, I drove from our home near Mansfield up to Newcastle so essentially a long drive on the A1 and a few little bits at each end! We went up there on a bit of a road trip because Ben was doing one of his experience gifts, a flight simulator! We also had a detour on the way back via Gateshead so he could see the football stadium, as regular readers will know he is a massive football fan!
Planning for the road trip
When planning a road trip from Nottingham, whether it’s for a weekend escape, a business trip, or a family drive, vehicle safety is non-negotiable. I spent time making sure not only the fuel was full for the journey but the tyres were ok, the washer fluid was full, etc, because well, let’s face it, I am rubbish with cars, so I needed to do it before I left!
Making sure you have everything you need
Unlike our road trips in Europe, there was a lot less to plan for this trip, but that doesn’t mean I overlooked the planning. I sorted the car out, chucked all the random rubbish and ensured we had the right cables for phones to charge and use for maps or emergencies, as well as audiobooks for the journey!
I also put a few bottles of water in the car because there is no way I would pay service station prices for bottled water if I could avoid it easily! The boot was emptied to make space for our bags and avoid carrying extra junk on our travels, too.
Planning stops
I always plan stops along the way if I am driving a fair distance, whether that be for snacks, the toilet or just a break from driving. Ben and I planned to stop for a coffee around the Leeds area, but due to traffic, we ended up past Scotch Corner before we stopped! We stopped at services because the price of a Costa isn’t much more at services than in a town, so it made sense. I think if we were stopping for more then I would have found a nice place to stop off the main roads to save money and get better scenery for the break.
Stopping for refuelling and car repairs
Ideally, any stops like this will be planned in advance because let’s face it we don’t want to suddenly encounter a problem on the way and need to panic to find new tyres etc!
Fuel
Fuel is usually cheaper by at least 10p a litre in towns or cities than at the services so if you know you will need to fill up I always think it is worth planning a stop a bit off the main route, somewhere like Pontefract. You could stop at the Haribo factory, where they have a shop where you could buy some bargain sweets!
Tyres
Wakefield, a key point along many northern routes from Nottingham, has become a trusted spot for vehicle checks and tyre fittings. With several reputable local garages offering quick turnarounds, quality stock, and free fittings, tyres in the Wakefield area aren’t just convenient, they’re cost-effective too. If you are coming from further down south, you will find places like Wakefield have much better prices than London, for example! Ossett Tyre House offers tyres in Wakefield with Free Fitting. If it fits into your route and you need new tyres. Otherwise, check out places on your route and see how they compare in price to your local garages.
The Condition of Tyres Matters More Than You Think
It’s easy to underestimate the impact of tyres until poor grip or worn tread turns into a roadside emergency. Whether driving through the countryside or on long lengths of motorway, high-quality tyres with proper tread depth improve handling, reduce braking distance, and boost fuel efficiency.
Fuel efficiency
When doing long trips fuel efficiency is always something I am aware of, so I thought I would share some tips to improve your fuel efficiency:
- Drive at a steady speed with no sharp acceleration or braking
- Only use the air conditioning when you need it
- Don’t overload your car, so if you have a pushchair or wheelchair in the boot you don’t need to a long journey don’t take it!
- Keep your tyres at the correct pressure
- Use your gears properly
Have you got any UK road trips planned or are you planning a drive abroad? Make sure you take time to get all your car essentials ready because there is nothing more dangerous than a car that has not been prepared correctly.
