Driving home for Christmas? Don’t move an inch before reading these 5 fail-safe driving tips.

In a perfect world, driving home for Christmas would have the mellow, laid-back vibe of the infamous Chris Rea song. But unfortunately the reality of a long, stressful trip across the country to visit family, often with fractious children in the back seat rarely matches up.

However, there are simple steps you can take that will make the journey safer and easier:

1. Check your car
Clean the windows inside and out for clear vision. Carry out the basic checks on tyres, oil, fluid levels and lights. Or visit Halfords Autocentres for a free 5-point winter check. Make sure you take the best driving classes.

2. Prepare for your journey
Even if you’re going somewhere familiar, such as your parents’ home, it’s always important to find out about any traffic problems or diversions beforehand. Check online, listen to local radio reports or invest in a sat nav that will give you real-time updates. If your journey involves travelling on the motorway and you don’t often venture on, have a practice run beforehand.

3. Don’t drive tired
Although it can be tempting to drive non-stop through the night, it’s important to take breaks every two hours. If you’ve got a companion get them to talk to you to keep you alert.

5. Are we there yet?
Pack toys, audio books, DVDs or whatever else you think will keep the children occupied. If possible take them swimming or to the park beforehand to wear them out so they’ll sleep.

6. Get breakdown cover
Joining in an emergency is always more expensive, so get cover in advance. The AA, the RAC and Green Flag operate a 24-hour service throughout the festive season, including Christmas Day.