Prepare Your Car for the Ideal Road Trip
Many of us regularly take long car rides, whether visiting relatives, going on holiday, or traveling for work. Preparation is the key to ensuring that everything goes as planned.
Although it may not appear so, your car is a delicate device that, like all of us, needs a quick check-up now and then to ensure that everything is in working condition.
General Check-Up
Be it a car you got financed on Carplus.co.uk or one that was handed down to you from your parents, treat it with care. Get a general check-up done that covers tires, HVAC system, hoses, wiper blades, wiper fluids, and other aspects of your car like:
Oil
Oil is vital in an engine, and everybody can understand that. It lubricates moving elements like the pistons, crankshaft, and camshaft. Previously, individuals were advised to replace their oil every 3,000-5,000 miles, but new technology has emerged. The oils and the engines have improved. Check your owner’s manual before changing your oil. If you’ve recently changed your oil, use the dipstick to verify the condition and remaining amount. Look at it if it’s black, grainy, or below the minimum fill line.
Brake Pads
Brake pads are the parts of your car that allow you to stop and slow down—weakening until they can no longer do their duty. They yell or scream when there isn’t enough pad material left. This is typically evident. Replace the brake pads to stop the noise and keep yourself safe. It all relies on the brake pads’ material and usage.
Air Filters
The road is filthy. Car air filters keep dust, grime, and bugs from the engine and interior. These air filters gradually fill up and clog, affecting engine efficiency, fuel economy, and air quality. They are usually cheap and simple to fix.
Bulbs
If your headlights, taillights, or indicators don’t function, it’s a sure-fire way to get pulled over. It’s time to start your car. Put it in park. Turn on your headlights. Do the same with the left and right indicators. Then, press the brake pedal with a brick while the car is in park.
Emergency Kit.
It isn’t rocket science but auto science: It is simple. It’s a good idea to have some new batteries and an extra torch in your car, as well as some basic tools like a tire-pressure gauge and an adjustable spanner. You should also have some drinking water, snacks for both people and pets, and a first-aid kit. Putting together an emergency kit may look like a lot of work at first. Do you know what’s even worse? Getting stuck on the side of the road without any of the things on this list.
Don’t Get Locked Out
You should always have a spare set of car keys with you, take a moment to get your keys before getting out of the car, and keep keyless-entry remotes and smart keys away from water and other dangers.
Check Your Insurance Policy
It’s important to check your car insurance policy to ensure you have a paper copy and that you haven’t missed a payment. Nobody wants to get into an accident while they’re away from home and not have adequate insurance.
Conclusion
Nothing is worse than a dirty, smelly car on a road trip, so clean it before you go. Make sure the boot is clean to avoid broken luggage and souvenirs. Keep the outside clean, as pests and bird excrement will eat paint.
Ensure you have adequate power cords and adapters and figure out where all the cords go. Finally, put the waste in a container or bag.
Inconvenient auto maintenance is nothing compared to a trip ruined by a problem that could have been solved. Give your car the brush up it needs to keep it going.