Long trips are always enjoyable. As someone needs to prepare stuff like- clothes, important papers, cameras, water, food for a long trip, they should prepare their car also for a danger-free & comfortable ride. There are some things you have to check & carry in your car for a road trip. Let me define how to prepare your car for a long trip.
Imagine that you are going on a long road trip with family or friends, and suddenly the tire gets punched. Or the brake fails. How disappointing it will be! So you have to equip the car before going on a vacation or road trip. Take a glance at these steps for a clear conceit about how you should prepare your car before a road trip:
1. Check the Tires:
At first, you should check the tire pressure. Make sure it matches up with your owner's manual. It is dangerous enough to drive with slick tires. If the body of the tire is too flat, you better buy a new one. Look for a label of the correct pressure number inside the car door or gas filler door. Inspect the tire tread. Look at the tire wear bars. If it flushes with the tread then you need new tires. There is a high possibility of losing control over the car if the tire treads are worn out.
2. Test the Lights:
Check the headlights, blinkers, hazard lights, brake lights & reverse lights if they are working fine. Turn on each light 3-4 times to notice any problem. Make sure the service light is off before the trip. If you are going to drive an unfamiliar car, learn how these lights work. The headlight & the daytime running lights are not the same. Cover the headlight with a protective sheet to prevent any damage or bug clogs.
3. Examine the Battery:
Check the wires and terminals of the battery. Corrosion prevents the power from flowing out of the battery. Numb the corrosion & clean it properly with baking soda, water & a toothbrush. Then wipe it with a clean towel. Lastly, put the terminals back. Seal them with battery terminal spray. Remember, it is easy and cheaper to clean your battery before a trip than calling the tow truck in the middle of a journey.
4. Monitor Oil Level:
You need a full level of motor oil to start a long road trip. Give priority to the quantity of the oil, not quality. Because you can easily drive with low-quality motor oil. But if you run out of oil in the middle of the road, You'll be really in trouble. A dipstick helps to check the correct amount of oil level in the engine.
5. Clean your Car:
Before your trip, stop by the car wash. Clean the exterior and interior of your vehicle. Change all spark plugs. Examine car engines. Change the air filter to avoid bad odor. Dirty windshield & spills must be cleaned. Get your car fully vacuumed & leave extra weight. Keep a small garbage bag inside your car. Starting your journey with a clean vehicle will give you a fresh vibe.
[Also Read this - HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAR DURING LOCKDOWN: 9 EASY TIPS]
6. Check other Fluids:
Most of the cars nowadays have coolant, washer fluids, brake fluids & steering fluids. Coolant keeps the temperature down of the engine during summer. It prevents the engine from overheating. Steering & brake fluid can become contaminated over time & cause damage to the car, leaks the system components & also reduces the performance of a car. So the fluids must be checked.
7. Get a Tune-up:
If you take the car to a mechanic before your trip, he can check if there's something wrong with the car or does it need to change the filter. Transmission fluid, radiation coolant, windshield washer steering wheel of the ve must be checked. The mechanic will also replace any hoses or belts if needed.
8. Carry a Survival Kit:
You can never tell what type of danger you have to face on a long trip. So you should carry a survival kit like- rechargeable battery pack, screwdrivers, electric charger wire, flashlight, spanner & a spare tire. Also, consider taking medical tools, road map, hotel information & extra fuel.
9. Pack for Comfy:
You have to pack some things for a pleasant ride. Nobody would like to have an uncomfortable trip. You can pack sunglasses, dry foods & beverages, car phone holder, water container, blanket or scarf, portable fans & fridge, toiletries, portable wifi, travel games, a favorite book of yours, USB charger & power bank. These things can make your journey a little bit comfier.
10. Addition for Safety:
Due to the recent global pandemic, you should carry some more equipment like- hand sanitizer, face mask, face shield, thermometer, disposable gloves, tissue, Clorox wipes, etc.
These are the things you need to fix or carry on a road trip. There are some more points you need to keep in mind while driving-
➤Before your trip, talk to a long drive driver to increase your knowledge about long driving. Know what type of danger or problem you can face during a long drive.
➤Do not drive too fast. For a long journey, high speed is not acceptable. A steady journey will keep you danger-free & you can also enjoy the view.
➤Do not forget your driving limit. Make plans according to the limit of the car. It is better not to drive more than 300 miles a day. If your destination is too far, take two days for the trip.
➤If you get tired while driving, don't drink coffee to ease the tiredness. Just pull over & rest.
➤Do not drive with boredom. You can listen to the radio or songs while driving. But that's a little bit risky. You can pull over for some time to relieve the boredom.
➤Try to avoid open roads. Using the map, go through the small road safely. If not possible, avoid the trucks. Some people try to compete driving on the road unnoticeably. Avoid them also.
So, these are some crucial points you have to keep in mind before a family road trip or a long drive. Follow the points wisely & enjoy a peaceful drive with family or friends.
