Are you going on vacation soon and taking your car for a long trip? Your safety needs to check certain checkpoints.
As summer approaches, many of you are planning road trips, and that’s a great idea. It is a great way to let go, get a change of scenery, and have a good time with family and friends. Going on the road offers the promise of an epic adventure… which can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’re not careful. To avoid endless mishaps like in the road movie gone wrong, read this travel guide with some twenty tips to prepare your car well to face long journeys with complete peace of mind.
Before leaving
Check or change the oil: If it is not the time to change the oil, check the oil level using the dipstick and top up.
Replace the engine air filter: Consult your owner’s manual to locate the air filter. If it is dirty or blocked, do not hesitate to replace it.
Check Spark Plugs: If your car is idling or you’re having trouble starting it, it may be time to replace your spark plugs. Check that the spark plugs are not corroded or fouled and that the electrode gap is correct. If not, replace them, remembering to consult your manual to perform the maneuver correctly.
Check your tires: Nothing is worse than having to deal with a flat tire on a highway in the middle of a heatwave. To avoid this, check the condition of your tires before setting off. A simple coin will do. Insert a Euro coin into the bottom of a groove in the running surface. If the etched stars on the edge of the coin are visible, now is the time to change your tire. Some tires have wear indicators. Likewise, if you notice any cracks, tears, or hernias on the surface of your tires, they are ready to be replaced. If your car is vibrating or pulling to the side, you may need to have a parallelism adjustment done before you hit the road. Eventually, if all seems to be in order, double-check that the tires are fully inflated.
Check the shock absorbers: Does your car make strange noises when driving over bumps? Or does the front “dive” when you brake or accelerate? Press hard on your hood to check if your car bounces after you let go. If so, you may need to change your front shocks.
Check the condition of the jack and the spare tire: Do not underestimate this check before departure. Just because the spare tire has never been used does not mean that it is in good condition. Like all tires, spare tires deflate over time: make sure yours is properly inflated. Finally, check that your jack is stored in the right place. And remember to test it before the trip to see if it is working properly.
Check or Change Windshield Wipers and Washer : Bugs, dirt, and weather can easily cloud your windshield. To clear your view, replace your wiper blades and fill your windshield washer reservoir. Most wiper blades are easy to replace yourself.
Check Fluid Levels: Power steering fluid, transmission oil, and antifreeze are essential fluids for travel. Make sure yours have been changed and filled to the levels recommended by the manufacturer. Most liquid containers have gauges as well as volume indicators on the side.
Drain the radiator: High temperatures can cause your car to overheat. To avoid ending up on the side of the road with a steaming car, remember to bleed your radiator, especially if the last oil change was over a year old. It is common for antifreeze sediments to clog the ducts. Draining the radiator is essential for the proper functioning of your vehicle.
Check the headlights: Brake lights, turn signals, high beam, and low beam – test them all in the dark.
Check the condition of the battery : Open the hood to inspect the battery. Are the connections loose? Are the cables frayed or broken? Is the case dirty, corroded, or even cracked? If you see fluid seeping from the battery, it’s time to replace it. To clean the terminals, remove the cables (negative first) and scrub them with an old toothbrush and a baking soda and water paste. Car batteries have a three- to five-year lifespan. How old is yours? You can test it with a voltmeter.
Check the brakes: Check the brake fluid and brake pads, particularly if you’re heading into the mountains. The goal is to prevent the brakes from giving up on you on a steep descent. If your pads are worn, that is, 5 millimeters thick or less, have them replaced.
Inspect Belts and Hoses: Have you spotted holes, cracks, or frayed walls in your belts or hoses? Replace them now before it costs you a lot of repairs.
Check your plip: Many recent manufactured cars are equipped with a remote door locking system: the “plip”. If you’ve been using it for a long time, consider replacing the battery, so you don’t get stuck outside the vehicle.
Read Your Manual: Until there is an emergency, few people read their vehicle’s owner’s manual. A quick read today could save you some serious hassle down the road.
Check your horn: Just once, thank you. Better to avoid annoying the neighbors.
What to pack on your long drive
Here are some items that can be useful if something goes wrong on the road:
- Tire gauge
- Tire sealing foam
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Roll of duct tape
- Tow strap or tow rope
- Utility knife
- Rain poncho
- Funnel
- Potable water
- Snacks
- Blanket
But also :
Sun visor: Hours spent under the blazing sun can be harmful to both drivers and passengers. Side Suction Cup Sun Shades help reduce the impact of heat and glare along the way.
Auto Insurance and Emergency Assistance Contact Information: Needless to say, it would be unwise to leave without these basic guarantees.
Mobile phone and charger: an object that has become almost indispensable nowadays, your mobile phone is one of the most precious travel accessories. Whether you use it to listen to music, use GPS, find a restaurant, or call in an emergency, it is your best ally. Consider purchasing a cigarette lighter phone charger to make sure you don’t run out of battery when you’re in the middle of nowhere.
First aid kit: Among the essentials, we think of bandages, scissors, and disinfectant wipes. These basics can be supplemented with insect repellants, sunscreen, anti-inflammatories, and if you have a prescription from a doctor, an Epipen (adrenaline self-injection pen), which is helpful in a severe allergic reaction.
Songs, Books, and Games: Impossible to go on a road trip without a soundtrack worthy of the name! And if you have kids, pack a play bag to keep them entertained. Also, think about audiobooks: they make traveling long distances a snap.
A GPS or maps: You are not a fan of the old-fashioned navigation method? Visit your app store to download one of the many mobile GPS navigation applications. The Google Maps app is pre-installed on many smartphones.
Looking for the best rent a car in Lahore? Carlay Car Rental is just right for you. We provide excellent car rental services with an affordable price range and provide all the necessary services to make our customers ride better.
The Bloggify 