5 TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR A ROAD TRIP
You’re probably thinking to get your car ready for a safe road trip because you want to leave the bustle of the city and travel to wide spaces, mountains, beaches, etc. But what if your car breaks down and leaves you stuck miles outside of nowhere? Take care of your car throughout the year but especially before a road trip. Don’t let your car become a horror movie cliché by skipping these routine maintenance checks. We offer you these five tips that would prepare your car for a smooth road trip and have a safe and comfortable journey.
1.Check Out All The Fluids Behind The Hood
Make sure to inspect your car’s six essential fluids beforehand so you don’t have to make any emergency stops for servicing along the way.
- OIL: Let’s start with the engine oil. Remove the dipstick and measure the liquid level. Verify that it reaches the entire mark. If it’s low, see the owner’s handbook and fill it up to the recommended amount.
- COOLANT LEVEL: Next, check the reservoir’s coolant level. Before you remove the radiator cap, make sure the engine is absolutely cold. You don’t need to worry if the fluid is visible all the way to the top. If not, make sure you use the authorized coolant while refilling. Read your owner’s manual carefully before making any decisions.
- AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID: To check automatic transmission fluid, keep the engine running on a level surface and use a dipstick. If your car doesn’t have one, check at a local service shop. The fluid should be pinkish and reach the full mark on the dipstick. If it smells burnt or contains particles, change it with a mechanic.
- BRAKE FLUID LEVEL: As your brake pads wear down, your brake fluid level usually decreases. If it falls below the minimum indicated, check your brakes and add fluid.
- WASHER FLUID: One of the most annoying things to happen on a long drive is finding out that you’ve ran out of washer fluid; your windows are all sticky, and you have nothing to clean them. Thus, ensure that there is liquid in the window cleaner container.
- POWER STEERING FLUID: In case your vehicle has a hydraulic power steering setup, ensure that the power steering fluid is also filled up.
2.CHECK CAR TIRES
The most crucial thing to remember is to always inspect your tires because that’s how you obtain traction. Start with checking the tire pressure. Consult the owner’s handbook or the sticker located on the driver’s door to determine the required tire pressure. This is crucial for your safety, improved fuel efficiency, and the general condition of your tires. It’s advisable to visit a tire professional for a comprehensive inspection and to have the concerns handled, even though you can perform a visual inspection yourself to look for any potential defects.
3.BRAKES PADS
The friction required to slow and stop your car is provided by the brake pads. With continued use, they deteriorate and finally become too thin to be of any use. When there isn’t enough pad material left, they usually make an annoying screaming or squealing noise, which makes it evident when this occurs. The noise should go away and, more importantly, your road journey will be safer if you get the brake pads replaced.
4.CHECK TOOLS AND SPARE TIRES
Make sure your toolkit and jack are securely stored in the storage area before packing your car with goodies and leaving. These are essential for every road trip since they may be used for little fixes and adjustments when needed. Checking the spare tire is another important task. Verifying the tire pressure is crucial. Because you might need to use the spare tire in an emergency if you end up with a flat tire.
5.CHECK LIGHTS AND INDICATORS
Before you leave, ensure all of the lights and indicators surrounding your car are functioning properly. Verify your turn signals (left and right), brake and reverse indicators, headlights, tail lights, and high beams.
CONCLUSION
Pack your bags and get your car ready for an amazing road trip by considering the pointers given above. The purpose of vacations is to unwind and have fun, but whether or not you prepared your car properly for a long trip can frequently make the difference between happiness and sadness. So, before going on a road trip take the precautions above to save your car, your journey, and your loved ones.