Just as a surprise test is to the students in a class so is the surprise road trip to the car. The moment you decide you are going on a long road trip, your duties and the list of works to be completed begins. Little problems like the out of balance tire, improper wheel alignment or the worn windshield wiper can cause major troubles. Following are some of the tips given to be followed to make your long trip a real easy and trouble free one. It is highly recommended to book an appointment before hand with your mechanic or dealer. If they provide any maintenance package, go for it. Do it a couple of weeks before only instead of waiting for the last moment. You definitely don’t want your car to break down in the middle of the trip.
Go through the owner’s manual first. All the information right from towing a trailer or changing the flat tire to the details of some buttons or the knobs inside the car, all is discussed in the manual. The fluid capacity specifications are all mentioned in the car’s manual if you need to fill it before moving out for the trip. Many unpredicted problems can be solved with the help of the owner’s manual like hoe to jump start the car when battery dies off or what steps to be taken when the engine heats up or how to change the head light bulb and many such other problems. Try to carry your owner’s manual with you or else at least take the e- copy it to be on the safe side.
Check the levels of the fluids in the car. Check the oil level, the level of the coolant and the brake fluid level also. Many times, the engine stops functioning when oil is not changed on time. Check the engine coolant level when the radiator cap is closed but the engine is hot. Don’t open the radiator cap when engine is too hot. Checking this will prevent the unnecessary breakdown. Change the fluids if it is time to change.
Check the air pressure in the tires. The pressure marked on the sides of the tires is the max and that should not be exceeded. Don’t forget to check the air pressure of the spare tire. Your bad time will become your worse time if you avoid this step. Check the tire wear with the help of penny. Long trip often heats the tires and can cause a blow out. Exclusive clean air to your engine boosts its performance.
Cleaning your car will charm your experience of the long trip. If you don’t clean, at the minimum, clean the windows for the best vision. Check out whether all your lights and signals are functioning properly of your car. You might need a friend or a helper for this. Sit inside the car and check each signal and light by turning it on and ask your friend whether it is working properly. Replace the bulbs if needed. Make sure that all the emergency equipment is functioning properly including the flashlights, fire extinguishers, flashes and the medical kits.
Also, check the condition of the battery visually once. See for any acid leaks, cracks or damages. If there are any, get the battery replaced. Ensure that the terminals of the battery are not corroded. Sometimes, there are no signs that the battery is going to die soon. If when starting the car, your engine cranks little more than usual, that can be considered as a warning sign. However it is good to check it once before your tour.
