Having a road trip is really exciting because there’s something freeing about hitting the open road and exploring new places at your own pace. Before you go ahead and load up the car though, it’s critical to make sure that your vehicle is ready for the journey and not just about the playlist.
A quick check up can be the difference between smooth cruising and an unexpected breakdown miles from hell if your car has any visible damage, wear and tear like scratches, dents, or rust spots. It’s a good idea to address those early. While cosmetic fixes like car body repair may not seem urgent, unresolved damage can worsen over time, especially when exposed to the elements on a long drive. Here is a short checklist of what you should do before a road trip for your car.
- d top them up. Your car relies on a range of fluids to function properly. A long road trip can put them to the test, so make sure that you check the engine oil, the coolant, the brake fluid, the transmission fluid, and the windshield washer fluid before you go. You can do all of these checks yourself so you don’t have to pay for them, but if you’re not sure where everything is, you can complete them quickly at a service center.
- Inspect your tires and their pressure. Tyres take the brunt of road travel. It’s always a good idea to look for signs of wear such as bald spots or uneven tread. You should also make sure that all four tires and the spare are properly inflated according to your car’s recommended PSI. Under or over inflated tyres can affect fuel efficiency, handling and safety.
- Test your car’s battery. A weak or aging battery could leave you stranded.This is especially the case in remote areas. Have your battery tested because many auto shops will do this for you for free. If it’s more than three years old or shows signs of corrosion, consider replacing it before you hit the road.
- Examine the brakes and the lights. You need your brakes for your safety, especially when driving through mountainous areas or stop and go traffic. If you hear squealing, grinding, or feel vibrations when braking, you need to get them checked straight away. You should also run a test on all of your exterior lights, headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. Replace any burnt out bulbs before departure.
- Look over the body and windshield. Even the most minor dents or cracks in the windshield can worsen after hundreds of miles on the road. Consider car body repair if there’s any visible damage that can affect your visibility or vehicle’s integrity. Longer drives can also expose your car to rain, wind and debris, so starting your trip with a solid exterior is a good idea.
Put together an emergency kit of essentials. You need jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, blankets, water and snacks, phone charger and a spare map, tyre and tools.
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