Avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown on the side of the road by doing these 6 simple vehicle checks before you take a longer journey. Find out what they are now and start your trip with confidence!
Are you slowly getting ready for a long journey in your vehicle? Whether it’s across town to visit family, or a much more ambitious road trip with friends, making sure that your car is ready for the venture is essential. A properly maintained and regularly serviced car will give you peace of mind on any length of journey, so check out our list of 6 basic things that you should always check on your vehicle before setting off on any extra-long drive. Through good service and proper maintenance practices, you can avoid breakdowns and other major issues during a long journey – ensuring everything runs like clockwork from the start point to the final destination!
1. Check your tire pressure to ensure you have enough air in each one
Ensuring you have enough air in each one ensures a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency. The best way to do this is with a pressure gauge, which will help you make sure each tire has an appropriate amount of air. Additionally, if you are not sure how to properly do it, but do not want to waste time going to the mechanic, you can always consult online resources, from websites like Tire Grades to YouTube tutorials, to help you out. Remember: if the numbers are too low or too high, then it affects your car’s performance, and you won’t be able to go very far without potentially damaging components under the hood – not ideal for long trips! So before embarking on any journey, make sure to double-check the tire pressure of your car first.
2. Inspect your oil and other fluids to ensure they are at the right levels
Checking the oil and other fluid levels is an essential part of this process. You should take the time to check that you have enough oil inside the vehicle, as too little or even too much can cause problems. Other fluids such as brake and transmission fluid should also be checked before setting off on long trips. By inspecting all these areas, you are helping to keep your car in tip-top condition and minimizing your risk of breaking down far away from home! Moreover, if you’ve never checked these areas before and would like some assistance – your local auto shop technician can help you to do this quickly and easily.
3. Inspect your lights and make sure all of them are working properly
This can easily be done with a quick visual inspection–simply walk around the car and make sure there are no burned-out signals, headlamps, or brake lights. Additionally, it’s wise to bring along a few spare bulbs in case one goes out during your trip. It may take just a few minutes of preparation now, but this precaution can save you from fines or dangerous situations later. So don’t be caught in the dark: make sure all of your vehicle’s lights shine brightly before hitting the open road!
4. Check your brakes and make sure they are functioning correctly
Make sure that your brake pedal is firm and provides adequate pressure to stop the car – if it has too much give, this could be an issue. Additionally, ensure there are no strange noises coming from the wheel when you use the brakes – any grinding or squealing can mean they’re not properly taken care of and need a professional lookover. Finally, while assessing the performance of your brakes, be sure to pay attention to the speed at which your vehicle comes to a stop – excessively long stops are generally indicative of problems with brakes. Doing these simple checks ahead of time will put your mind at ease and help make your journey more pleasant!
5. Ensure that your wipers are clean, in good condition, and functioning properly
If you’re prepping for a longer journey, make sure to check on your wipers and ensure that they are up to the task. Make sure they are clean, in good condition, and functioning properly. Not doing so could lead to poor visibility in inclement weather, which can be dangerous for your safety and other drivers as well. No one wants to (let alone should!) venture out on a long drive with anything but clear vision when it rains or snow. So save yourself the hassle and always remember to inspect those wipers!
6. Test out the battery and check its voltage
Last but not least, completing a successful road trip requires testing out the battery and verifying its voltage level. A battery’s life expectancy decreases if it has to work harder due to an unreliable charging system or excessive electric demand. Make sure your battery is getting enough power – especially before leaving on a longer journey – as that could be the difference between making it to your destination or being stranded miles away! With a simple multi-meter test you can rule out any potential issues right away, so don’t skip this essential car check!
In Conclusion
Maintaining a well-functioning vehicle is one of the more important tasks of an owner. Taking certain measures such as checking the tire pressure, fluids levels, lights, and brakes before embarking on a long car journey can help ensure your safety and that of other people. Plus, it should reduce the chances of encountering unexpected accidents or breakdowns along the way. Even though it may take some time to execute these tests or checks beforehand, it will be worth your effort in the long run since you avoid any unforeseen problems or potential danger on the open road. So keep in mind Jane Friedman’s tips and complete them when necessary!
