Dick Lovett

How to safely transport your tree on your car this Christmas

Posted 4th December 2020

MINI Countryman Christmas Tree On Roof

If this weekend is going to be the one where you will deck the halls, and you have decided on getting a real tree, have you thought about how you will get it home?

Dick Lovett sells a range of cars which are perfect for transporting large loads; including the Porsche Cayenne, Aston Martin DBX, Land Rover, BMW X7 and, if you are looking for a smaller tree, a MINI Countryman!

But with so many shops and even supermarkets selling Christmas trees now, surely you can grab one on your weekly shop and just pop it on your roof?

Christmas Tree On Vehicle Roof

Christmas Tree On BMW i3 Roof

No, not according to the Highway Code. Here are some handy pointers if you are planning on strapping a tree to the roof of your car this year and want to get the much-coveted Christmas tree scene Instagram selfie:

  1. Don’t overload your car. If you are caught with too much weight for your vehicle, you could face a fine and three penalty points for ‘causing or likely to cause danger by reason of load or passengers’. Which adds up to a lot more than just buying a fake tree would have been and could damage your car!

  2. Keep the tree in the net. This will make it easier and safer to transport

  3. Travel with the tree inside your car where possible, but ensure it does not obstruct any views of your mirrors or windows. Do not let the tree hang out of windows, as this could be hazardous to other drivers

  4. If you have chosen a tree which is too big to fit in your car, put it on the roof of your car with the stump facing the front of the car. This will limit wind resistance and make it less likely that any branches will fall off on route!

  5. Use rope or bungee cords to tie the tree tightly to your roof rack. If you haven’t got a roof rack, you can get one from any of our Parts teams who will be happy to help find the correct one for your car

  6. If your tree is longer than your car, you will need to attach a reflective tag to alert other drivers

  7. Utilising a tow bar (if your car has one!) and trailer is another safe way to get your tree home in one piece!

  8. Always drive carefully. When you have a heavy or unusual load, be sure to drive slowly. Avoid braking sharply where possible - See our winter driving tips here

Porsche Christmas

We would love to see your photos of you getting your Christmas tree home in your car, so why not tag us in your photos on Facebook and Instagram. And remember, if you need any help with preparing your car for winter, our Parts teams at Dick Lovett will be happy to help.

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