Motoring journalist Erin Baker gives some simple tips on staying safe and happy on the road

Since she started in the motoring industry, Erin Baker’s mission has been to “bring the automotive conversation into the 21st century, to broaden and diversify its audience and to narrow the gender gap.”

As one of only a handful of female motoring journalists, Erin specialises in engaging a female consumer audience, and strives to give “female motorists the media representation they so badly need when choosing their next car.”

But you don’t get to be Motoring Editorial Director at some of the UK’s most major publications without knowing a thing or two about car maintenance. Erin also has some excellent practical, take-away advice for anyone about to embark on a long journey.

1. Check fluids: Make sure you have ample washer and coolant, especially in winter driving conditions when you’ll be needing that windscreen washer regularly.
2. Entertainment for the kids: You don’t always need screens to keep them happy. An audiobook can go a long way – they’re available for all ages – and you can’t go wrong with a pack of playing cards.
3. Fill up/charge fully: Don’t forget to fill up before you leave to avoid having to visit expensive motorway services. Same goes for electric cars – always leave on a full charge overnight on an off-peak tariff so you’re not recharging at the most expensive points.

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