Going On A Road Trip? Read This!

Are you longing for the adventurous road trip that you’ve been dreaming of for so many years? It’s always fun to go on long road trips with your friends and family. You can also enjoy other exciting activities like setting up WhatsApp groups and making calls to discuss and plan the whole event, packing your bags and getting your car ready for travel. You might neglect your car while you are taking care of all the other important things. Your car should be able to work smoothly all the way without causing any damage.

The Ultimate Checklist for Road Trips

If your car breaks down, the smoothest road trip can be disastrous. Car breakdowns are a common mishap on road trips. What should you do if your car breaks down? Car servicing is a good precaution. Car servicing is an essential part of any road trip. To make your experience hassle-free, you should follow these steps:

The Battery

It is important to check the expiry date on your car’s batteries. It is best to replace the battery if it has been in use for more than three years. Also, make sure the electric charging system is working properly. Overcharging or undercharging can cause severe damage to a car’s battery life. If the starter is slowing down in your car, it could be due to a dying or corroded battery. Clean the corrosion from the outside, and then drive.

Make sure to check the Tyres

Two things should be checked when checking the tyres: the tread and pressure. Concerning the air pressure, ensure that your tyres do not have too much or too little. This can cause problems such as premature wear, bumpy rides, overheating, and even a blowout. If the treads aren’t deep enough, your tires will wear easily and have less chance of getting traction on roads.

The Tank is full

Make sure your car is lubricated before you go on a road trip. A dipstick can be used to measure the engine oil level. Fill the tank with enough oil before you set off on your journey. This will ensure that your trip is smooth.

Verify the levels of any other fluids

Fluids are vital for proper car operation. Fluids should be checked for fluid leakage from the radiator, windshield, transmission, and power steering. These fluids should be lubricated based on how long your vehicle has been driven and how far you plan to drive during your next road trip. If you lubricate all of these parts, your car will run smoothly.

Air filters need to be changed

Roads are full of bugs, dust and debris. Air filters are installed inside a car to keep dust out of the engine’s interior. These filters also maintain the car’s interior air quality. It can become clogged after it reaches its peak. This could lead to a decrease in engine performance, fuel condition, or interior air quality. Air filters should be changed every 12 thousand miles.

Make sure to check the Wipers and Lights

Proper visibility is essential during driving, especially in the late hours and early mornings. If the wiper blades are worn out or have streaks, replace them. This will ensure that you see clearly in rain, fog, and other weather conditions. If necessary, inspect the interior and exterior lighting accessories and make any changes.

Adjust steering and suspension

Before you hit the road, make sure to adjust any loose steerings, worn-out mounts or bushings, damaged shocks or vehicle bouncing. These can cause a halt in your adventure plans and turn the journey into a bumpy ride.

Check Exhaust System

The exhaust system should also be considered. An ineffective exhaust system can cause problems on the road, such as reduced power, poor fuel conditions, and improper venting of the toxic gases produced by engines. You should inspect your exhaust system if you hear any popping or hissing sounds. You should have your exhaust system serviced by professionals if your vehicle is older than five years.

Take a look at HVAC

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), is necessary for proper cooling. Depending on the inputs from electronic sensors and operators, the purpose of the cooling system is to cool, heat, ventilate and dehumidify air coming out of the cabin.

Give a break to brakes

Your car’s braking system is a crucial safety feature. Before you take your family on a long drive, make sure to check the condition of the brakes. A faulty brake can be detected by squeaking or grinding, steering wheel shaking, and sponginess in the brake pedals. It is important to inspect the accessories such as brake pads, brake hoses and drums.

Make sure to check the Rear and Front Windshield Washers

Check to make sure the windshield washer jets spray the water evenly from the front and back. Adjust the jet sprays if they get blocked. In some cars, you can also adjust this angle.

Stepney / Carry a spare tyre

To avoid flat tires on the roads, you should always have an extra tyre and essential tools. Wear your work gloves to prevent tyre grime from getting into your hands.

The Emergency Kit is available for purchase

You should include components such as flares, jumper cables and warm blankets. If you don’t have the item, restock it.

Before you go on your trip, test drive your car

Take a test drive before you finally take off on your long-awaited road trip. This will allow you to spot any potential errors and give you the chance to correct them.

Are you able to show proof of identity?

Now that we have reviewed all technical aspects, it is important to understand the legal concepts. These are the mandatory vehicle documents every car owner must have:

1. Driver’s licence,
2. Car insurance
3. Certificate of vehicle registration
4. Pollution under control (PUC) certificate

Before you move out of your home, make sure you have all important documents.

These are some emergency numbers that could be helpful

An insurance company or insurer should be contacted in an emergency. Nobody can guarantee a safe ride on the roads. Your motor insurance company may be able to provide roadside assistance for you if this is an add-on to your car policy. You can also get the numbers of your local police station and your mechanic to help you with any emergency situations on the road.

This list is quite long so it’s a good idea to prepare a checklist before you go on your road trip. We recommend that you clean your car and have the route maps printed ready for any road trips.