Road trip is always an adventure. If you want to see the real country and experience the sublimity of the beautiful greenery, road side restaurants, different faces of nature, different people and their different culture, then road trip is the best idea.
But what if your car suddenly breaks down in the middle of the road, away from home? What if some mechanical fault happens? It is always better to take precaution than trying to fix it. So, make a checklist of what you need to look into before you start the ignition and step on the pedal.
Things to Check
#1. Fluids
The first and the most important thing that you need to check in a car before you start is fluids. As fluids in our body makes us run for our whole life, so it is with the car. Before you board it, make sure that your car and its parts have not run out of fluids. Without this, your car won’t be able to work flawlessly.
There are different types of fluids that help to keep a car running. Some of these, which you need to check for, are:
- Engine oil
- Transmission fluid
- Coolant or Antifreeze
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
If all of these are at place, then it will prevent you from running into an accident and the trip will be hazard free.
#2. Tires
The second most important thing for a car when it rides on the road are the tires. It is another important organ of car mechanism. You must check the tire pressure. You can take the cue from the number at the side of the tire. But remember that it is the maximum pressure that the tire can withstand. You should not push it to that limit.
Moreover, the tire should be less inflated during winter and closer to maximum in the summer. And don’t ever forget to take a spare tire. It is mandatory on a road trip.
#3. Lights
Lights are the eyes of a vehicle. When you are driving in the dark or through fog and rain, your lights have to be on. And by light, I mean all the lights including the blinkers and the interior ones. It is the light of a vehicle that helps the other driver to gauge the distance they are from you. If your lights are faulty then you are running with high risk. And chances are high that police will stop you if the light is burnt out.
#4. Brakes
Brakes will be your lifeline at the time of emergency while driving. It will defend you at the time of need. So, have an expert to take a look at it. If your pedals are softer than usual, then there are chances of deterioration in your car’s braking system.
#5. Battery
The battery is the lungs of a car. If the battery has reached the end of its life, then you won’t be able to start the car. You need to make sure that the ignition and the electrical system are working like new.
The things you need to take with you in the trip
- It is really frustrating while going on a trip, to go in a completely wrong direction. A map or a guide book is an essential in this case because it will help you out during this time.
- Keep the emergency cell phone handy.
- Keep the emergency kit with you that must contain jumper cable, flashlights, multipurpose tool, duct tape, and tire sealant.
Now, as you are done with the checklist, you are all prepared to start. Better, you run a check on your vehicle two weeks prior to your trip. It will be the best time to check because you will have enough time if any of the problems need to be fixed. Now you are good to go. Step on the pedal. Have a safe trip.
Content shared by premier-plates.co.uk
