Tips To Maintain Your Car Before Going For A Road Trip
To enjoy any road trip, it is beneficial to plan everything thoroughly. The most important part of the plan is to keep your car in a healthy and trip-worthy condition. This article has got your checklist for the car’s maintenance all covered.
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Road trips are always enjoyable with friends or family members and help in making tons of fun memories. Planning starts with creating WhatsApp groups, making con calls for discussions, packing up your bags together, and of course, making your car trip-ready. While being busy taking care of all the other things, you might neglect your car’s condition. It is necessary to make sure that your car runs smoothly throughout your trip without facing any issues.
Tips To Maintain Your Car Before Going For A Road Trip
Following are some tips that can help you keep your car in good condition before heading for a road trip:
1. Battery- It is an important task to check your car’s battery age before the trip. If it exceeds three years, then replacement is required. Besides, it is beneficial to check the electrical charging system of the battery and whether it is functioning appropriately. Neither overcharging or undercharging is advisable for the battery life of a car. If the starter sounds sluggish, it can be due to a corroding or dying battery. Clean it thoroughly before driving to get rid of the corrosion.
2. Tyres- Two things are mandatory while you check the tires - the tires’ tread and pressure. Air pressure is an important aspect- make sure that the tires are not over or under-inflated. Neglecting air pressure can lead to several issues like premature wear, overheating, and the worst can be a blowout. Your tires get worn out faster, and there are fewer chances of gaining traction on the road if threads are not deep enough. One should always carry an inflated spare tire on road trips to avoid mishaps.
3. Tank - Ensure that your car has adequate engine oil before you go on any road trip. A dipstick can be used to measure the engine oil level easily. By filling the tank completely you can make your trip trouble-free.
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4. Lights - One should always keep in check the condition of wipers and lights, to ensure proper visibility during driving especially during late and early hours.
5. Fluids- Fluids are crucial for the proper functioning of a car. Keep in check the fluids for the radiator, brakes, windshield, etc. Lubrication of different parts is also important if the car has not been driven for a long time.
6. Air Filters- Roads are filled with pollutants and debris. It is crucial to prevent dust from entering the interiors of a car engine. Air filters maintain the inner air quality of the car. However, they reach a limit after a given amount of time and usage. Air filters are suggested to be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on your vehicle
7. Brakes- The braking system is the key safety feature of one's car. It is crucial to keep in check the condition of your brakes before the trip. Squeaking, grinding, sponginess of the brake pedals, etc., are all signs of faulty brakes. A thorough inspection of the brakes is suggested before any long trip.
8. Basic Maintenance- A cooling system is important for the interior comfort of one's car and especially for planning a long trip. Keeping a checklist and getting the basic maintenance of your car helps you have a smooth trip and protects you from any mishaps.
9. Emergency Kit- Your emergency kit is an important component that one needs on a road trip. Warm blankets, flashlights, a first-aid box, water, etc., are some unavoidable things for any trip. This ensures that you enjoy your road trip with utmost comfort and are fully prepared for it.
10. Test Drive- The best way to check your car is to take it for a small test drive. This gives you practical feedback on the condition of your car and how prepared it is for your much-awaited road trip.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to check your car's health before going on a road trip. It ensures your safety and also the safety of your loved ones. In addition to all the tips above it is advisable that you get your car insured so that you are completely prepared for all the possibilities. Insurance covers all the basic liabilities and helps in a needful situation.
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Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
