Are You Going Out on a Long Trip? 10 Technical Revisions That You Must Carry Out
Are you planning to take a road trip soon? Before doing so, you should carry out a technical review of your car to make sure you have a safe trip and avoid any mechanical problems.
A breakdown on your daily commute is one thing, but what if your car leaves you stranded miles away in the middle of nowhere?
Car care is necessary all year long, but especially before a road trip, so complete these basic maintenance steps before you become a horror movie cliché.
Step 1: Change the engine oil
Check the oil level and the date it may need to be changed. If it's almost time to change the oil, do it. A long trip can put more stress on your vehicle if it's not well oiled.
Note: Adding extra oil will not work as well as changing the oil, as the old oil remains cannot be removed. If possible, change the oil filter at the time you do the oil change.
Step 2: Check the fluids in your car
Be sure to check the various fluid levels in your car and make sure they are full. This includes coolant, windshield washer levels, and brake fluids.
This is an efficient way to avoid unnecessary breakdowns that could lead to possible accidents.
Step 3: Check the tire pressure
As we all know, the tires are in contact with the road, which means that if their controls are neglected, serious consequences can occur.
The number marked on the tires is the maximum amount of pressure they can hold. If this capacity is exceeded, these can burst . Conversely, low tire pressure can waste fuel and overheat the tires.
To get the perfect amount of air pressure into your tires, use a gauge and an air hose. This will ensure that they are safe and can perform during your trip.
Step 4: Check the windshield wipers
The test is simple: are the windshield wipers working properly or are they leaving lines of water that affect your vision?
Before starting a road trip, use the windshield washers to spray the windshield with water, then check to see if the wipers are doing their job.
Step 5: Check the air filters
The performance and efficiency of the car will improve if the supply of clean air to the engine is plentiful.
Also, don't forget the cabin filter, as the air is not fresh inside the car if the cabin filter is worn out.
Step 6: Make Sure All Lights and Signs Work
It is important to make sure all signals are working to prevent accidents. You can ask another person for a hand to finish the review.
With the help of another person, sit in your car and turn on all the lights and signals and ask if they are working properly. Spare bulbs can also be packed for the trip, just in case (at least one for each light, including headlights, indicators, reversing lights, and taillights).
Step 7: Check the car battery
If the battery has not been changed for many years, check to see if it is working properly .
If the cranking sound is slow, it may indicate corrosion or a dead battery. Go change it ASAP. If you have a battery voltage meter you can use it to track the health of the battery.
Step 8: Check all vehicle emergency equipment
Emergency kit includes: a cell phone, spare tire, warning triangle, and emergency tools (such as flashlights and screwdrivers).
Also, if you plan to drive across borders, make sure you are aware of the specific traffic regulations in the countries and areas you are heading to.
Step 9: Check the brake pads
Another important component to consider is the wear of the brake pads. Brake pads are made up of a metallic outer part and a composite inner part. The internal composite part must be more than 5 mm thick. Once the pad wears under this, it's time to replace it.
Make sure the parking brake works properly. We advise that the parking brake does not click more than four times before holding the car in place. Anything more than four clicks wouldn't pass a roadworthy test.
Step 10: Take a test!
Take a test drive to check for sounds, feel for tremors, and watch for signs around you. A squealing noise from the wheels may indicate a defective wheel; brake squeal can point to warped rotors and worn pads; a soft brake pedal can mean worn pads and low fluid levels.
Don't think that everything in your car is good just because you drive it every day. Give your friend a test and make sure everything is ok.
For many people, it can always be a long journey with their families. Most of the families that do, usually have week-long outings across the country and family members can enjoy some quality time together.
It's a great way to enhance family bonding and enjoy summer vacations.
