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Checklist for your Car before any Road Trip

  • Holiday Travel Tips
  • Xavier Sabastian
  • 5 minutes

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Road trips are the equivalent of human wings. Ask me to go on one, anywhere. We’ll stop in every small town and learn the history and stories, feel the ground, and capture the spirit. Then we’ll turn it into our own story that will live inside our history to carry with us, always. Because stories are more important than things.” – Victoria Erickson

There are a number of movies that romanticize road trips. The common thread you will observe in these movies is characters taking their road trip on impulse. Pack the essentials, jump into their cars or RVs, and drive off. Sorry to disappoint you, but this is a myth. Road trips on impulse without proper planning will have all the equilibrium of a house built on jelly. A lot of planning and groundwork has to be done before you take off on a road trip. 

Way.com's Checklist for Road Trip

The most important one is the health of your vehicle. Car care is vital, particularly before a road trip, so complete these fundamental checks before your upcoming road trip turns into your worst nightmare. 

1. TIRES

Tires are vital for your safety as well as driving comfort. A well-maintained tire will help reduce your fuel consumptionSo, it is essential to check their condition before your trip.  

Add checking tires to your checklist before your road trip
Checklist before a Road trip
  • Replace: Do the penny test on your tires. Stick a penny into the groove with Abraham Lincolns head facing into it. If you see the top of the head or close to it, replace your tires. If there are damages like punctures, exposed cords, or sidewall bulges, replace them immediately.
  • Rotation: Ensure your tire pressure is correct. Your driving habits can make tires wear at different rates. Swap your tires from right to left or front to rear, which will help them last longer because each spot wears down a tire in different areas. As soon as you notice that one side of your tire tread has worn down significantly faster than the other side replaces it. 
  • Air pressure: The ominous Next Gas 130 Miles sign can spell disaster for you if you are running low on gas. An underinflated tire is guaranteed to waste gas, while an overinflated tire will make the ride quality worse because they’re less compliant. Wrong air pressure causes tires to wear unevenly. You can find the right amount of air your tire will need from the owner’s manual. You must check your tire pressure before your road trip.

How long do spare tires last? Read to know more!

2. FLUIDS

For the uninitiated, there are six essential fluids in your car. Regular service of these fluids will ensure that your mileage will not be affected. If youre going to hit a service milestone mid-trip, you may want to take care of that job early. 

Add checking essential fluids in your car to your checklist before your road trip
Checklist before Road trip
  • Oil: Oil is critical for an engine. Many automakers recommend changing your oil every 7,500 to 10,000. If you’ve got an oil change within your recommended timeframe, use the dipstick to check the oil condition and fill level. If it’s black, gritty, or below the minimum fill line, get it checked out right away. 
  • Radiator: Radiator fluid works to extract heat from the engine and dissipates it through the radiator. A low coolant level will likely result in overheating. Check your coolant and top it off if need be.  
  • Brake: If the brake oil is contaminated or if there is a formation of bubbles in the lines, the pedals will feel spongy. You will need to remove those air bubbles from the lines. 
  • Power steering: Power steering is used to make turning the wheel easy at any speed, but if the fluid is contaminated, then the steering will be less responsive. Check the level and condition of your fluid every time you change your cars oil. 
  • Transmission: Transmission fluid helps gears mesh smoothly, and if the fluid is past the change dateshifting the gear will be uncomfortable. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended service interval for your specific car. 
  • Windshield: Adding windshield washer fluid is basic: get a jug of fluid at any gas station, then use a funnel to fill up your reservoir if it gets low.

How Much Brake Fluid Does a Car Need? Read to Know More!

3. BRAKE PADS

They wear away with use, eventually becoming too thin to work effectively. When this happens, there is an irritating screeching or squealing noise. If you notice these, replace the brake pads to make your road trip safer.

Add checking brake oils of your car to your checklist before your road trip
Checklist before Road trip

4. AIR FILTERS

The air filters in your cars prevent dust, debris, and bugs from entering the engine and interior. Once they reach their capacity, they can become clogged, impacting engine performance, fuel economy, and interior air quality. Take your vehicle to the nearest service center and check the quality.

Read Way.com’s Comprehensive Checklist

5. BELTS AND HOSES

There are a few obvious signs of trouble that anyone can spot under the hood. Press the belts down to make sure they’re tight. The belts should fit in perfectly into the clasp. If the belt has teeth, none of the teeth should be loose. If the belt does skip any teeth, dont force it. Check the hoses at both ends to see if there are any fluid leaks.

 

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To combat the spread of any infections or diseases, make sure you keep these in your car – Hand sanitizer and disposable gloves. 

Bottomline

Car care can be expensive, expensive, and exasperating. But to enjoy a magical, marvelous, and magnificent road trip, make sure to do these basic checks. 

 


Check out more blogs for info on finding top-rated airport parkingbest parking spots in your city, the most affordable insurance for your car, and top-rated car washes near you.


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