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Whenever it comes to the airport run, it can often feel like a mad rush to get everything packed, in the car, and safely on the road (while not forgetting the kids). But with some careful planning, you can save yourself a lot of headaches!
Here are some tips for packing for the airport run.
1. Pack bags in advance
The biggest cause of headaches is last-minute packing. There’s nothing worse than having to have left 30 minutes ago and still having to turn the house upside down to find your phone charger.
Aim to have everyone’s clothes packed and ready the weekend before, and make a list of essentials like toothbrushes, first aid kits, and electrical accessories that can be packed the day/night before you leave.
It’s important to check the weight and size restrictions of all your luggage whether it’s hold luggage or carry-on. The allowable size and weight of carry-on luggage, for example, has become much more restricted in recent years.
Be sure to also check what you’re allowed to take in luggage. The obvious restrictions still apply (no explosives or weapons) but there are also varying restrictions on what kinds of organic goods you’re allowed to travel with. So perhaps consider an alternative present for your friends than a live potted plant!
2. Pack bags according to accessibility
When you’re packing, be mindful of how accessible you need items to be. Avoid packing your passports at the bottom of your largest bag, for example. The same applies for all items – things like liquids and toiletries should be at the top of bags so if they get pulled aside for security checks, the personnel don’t need to empty your whole bag.
Consider what can go in your carry-on luggage, and make sure that that valuables are secure but accessible.
3. Practice packing the car
This may seem silly but, if you’re taking a lot of luggage as well as people, it’s often worth having a good idea of how you’re going to load the car. This means stacking luggage appropriately in the boot – accounting for differences in suitcase sizes.
Doing a practice run also lets you easily find out if there’s anything in the car that can be removed to make space for the airport run!
4. Pack for the airport run
You won’t be able to take food and liquid through security but, with 2+ hour drives to the airport, packing some snacks and sandwiches for the ride saves on having to stop off for food at the airport – especially useful if you get caught in traffic and have to rush to your terminal.
5. Don’t forget car maintenance
It’s no good packing meticulously for the airport run only to get a burst tyre on the motorway. So it’s crucial to do some pre-drive checks, but to also pack some emergency essentials: make sure you have a jack, spare wheel, spare screen wash, and so on.
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Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16 but there are many variations so it’s important to check your existing tyre first before searching for tyres.
Tip: Take a photo of your existing tyre sidewall to make it easier to identify your tyre size using the guide below.
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.
Load Rating
The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.
Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.
Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.
Contact our team for help and advice with a new or existing booking. We’ll help direct your enquiry to the appropriate department.
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Select Tyre Size
Front Tyre Size
Rear Tyre Size
We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
Please select your front and rear tyre size before clicking 'Continue'.
We have identified the tyre size(s) that may fit your {VEHICLE}. Please select your front tyre size and rear tyre size below before clicking 'Continue'.
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Please note: There is a slope that the vehicle must be driven up to reach the vehicle ramp at this centre. This may prevent us from being able to work on some high-performance vehicles, Tesla vehicles or vehicles that have been lowered. If your vehicle has low ground clearance, please contact the centre team on 01342 314 111 before booking.
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If you selected an appointment on a Bank Holiday Monday, please bring your car to the centre at 10:00am rather than the time shown below.
