A road trip can be a fantastic experience, but it’s important to make sure you’re safe. There is a magic about all this of course, but before throwing your bags in the boot, grabbing some snacks, and setting off on an adventure that makes life feel completely wide open. Yet anyone who’s been stranded on the side of a highway with a broken-down vehicle knows that a little preparation can save you from a whole lot of stress. Don’t check your car well enough before you go, and that’s a risk you take.
After all, you have to make sure your car is ready to handle hundreds of miles of unpredictable road conditions. That’s why taking the time to do a thorough vehicle check can mean the difference between a smooth trip and an unexpected roadside nightmare.
Don’t worry, this doesn’t have to be an overbearing effort, you just need to know what to look for. It’ll make you a better driver and safer behind the wheel. If you’re sharing the driving duties with someone then make sure they check too, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Let’s begin:
Check Your Tyres
Start by checking the tyre pressure. Not just a quick glance, but a proper check with a reliable pressure gauge to make sure they’re not under or over inflated. Under-inflated tyres can seriously impact your fuel efficiency and handling, and nobody wants to be burning extra cash on fuel or risking a blowout, so take this seriously. Look for the recommended pressure in your car manual or on the inside of the driver’s door, and yes, that includes the spare tyre.
While you’re at it, have a good look at the tread of the tyres. If they’re looking worn down or uneven, it might be time for a replacement. It’s generally helpful to use a 20p coin. If you can see the entire outer band of the coin when you insert it into the tread, your tyres might be getting a touch too thin.
Check Your Engine
Check your fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. It’s best to top them up now than at the side of the road. Of course, check your engine oil by using the dipstick. It should be between the minimum and maximum marks, and the colour should be relatively clean. If it’s looking dark and gunky, it might be time for an oil change, which is worth the cost. Coolant levels are just as important to check as well, as low levels can quite easily lead to overheating, which is about as fun as it sounds.
While you’re poking around, have a look at your battery connections too. Any signs of corrosion or loose connections will be worth getting sorted before you set off. If your battery is more than three years old, it might be worth getting it tested. You don’t want to deal with a dead car or mess around with jumper cables while you’re at the side of a road you don’t recognize, when a little prep could have helped.
Test Your Brakes
Brakes are one of those things you absolutely do not want to mess around with. If something feels off , such as a squeal, a grind, a slight pulling to one side when you brake, get it checked out. Such warning signs could save your life.
A quick visual inspection can tell you a lot. Look at your brake pads through the wheel spokes. If they look thin (less than a quarter-inch), it might be time for a replacement. And if you’re hiring a car for your trip, consider car hire excess insurance to give you that extra peace of mind as well, just in case.
Check The Smaller Details
Sometimes it’s the smallest things that can cause the biggest issues because we can forget to check them otherwise. For instance, check all your lights, including headlights, brake lights, and indicators. Not just for your safety, but to avoid getting pulled over by the traffic police, as they will be entirely justified in doing so.
Also check the comforts that help you stay calm on the road, for instance windscreen wipers functioning and fluid, because being caught in a sudden downpour with wipers that are more smearing than clearing is no fun at all.
With this advice, we hope you can continue to plan your long-haul drives and road trips with confidence, no matter if you’re moving house or just heading on a holiday. The car will be more reliable, and that’ll give you peace of mind like nothing else.
This is a Take to the Road Collaborated Post
