Things to check in your Car before Long Drive

Thinking about a long trip is exciting with backpacks and hitting the highways, but it can be worse if you don’t keep in mind some essential things. Before buckling up for an adventurous long drive, you must look after your car appropriately. If your car is not in good condition, you may get interruptions or stoppages. Many riders start their journey without checking the necessary equipment of the car. As a responsible car driver, you can’t make this grave mistake.

Above all the criteria, the car’s good performance has a tremendous role in a smooth and hassle-free riding experience. A well-maintained car gives you peace of mind before setting off on a long trip. Whether you are going for a weekend trip or a holiday trip, inspection of the car prevents you from unnecessary occurrences. 

Are you unaware of which things to check or why you must check? This article explains comprehensively the things to check and the importance of inspecting the car before a long drive. It is a master guide for all car drivers to secure their safety and security. 

Checks You Must Make Before Hitting the Road on a Long Journey

You might even think the four-wheeler is fine, but unfortunately, it’s not. The car is a machine that will not work properly if you maintain it regularly. So, if you are planning for a long trip, the following ten things you should check rigorously:

1. Check Car Tyres

First things first, you have to check your car’s tyres. The tyres hit the road and should be in optimal condition. Make sure your car tyres have the correct tyre pressure. A good tyre pressure saves the fuel of the car. As the tyre goes through different road conditions, such as potholes, the blowout problem is evident. It is recommended to follow the car manufacturer’s user manual regarding tyre pressure.

Due to running in different weather conditions, the tyre tread should be maintained at least 3 mm. Additionally, check the wheel alignment and spare tyre to eliminate the potential risk at any level of your journey.

2. Fill the Car Tank with Fuel

Fuel is one such thing that keeps your car running on the road. It’s not a short trip; you can go away with limited fuel. There are long highways where very few petrol pumps are located. So, in emergencies, you can’t always find the fuel pumps. That’s why be aware of this mistake. Checking the oil level is essential in every trip, and it becomes mandatory in long drives. All car drivers should refil their car tank as soon as it becomes half full rather than waiting to get empty.

3. Test the Braking System

Car brakes are one of the most significant security features of any four-wheeler. Whatever the car model you are riding, you can’t compromise with the braking system in any journey, especially for long trips. 

If you get any sound of grinding or squealing, it might be an issue with the brake pads. You should go to a garage and fix it immediately. There are many sharp turns, corners, and sudden stops; in this situation, the car brakes must work properly. If you can’t stop your car, you have to face the consequences. Test all the required braking equipment to prevent yourself from any road accidents.  

4. Check the Car Engine

Are you aware of the fact that the engine is considered the heart of the car? You can’t begin your long drive with a disputed engine. Check whether the engine oil is at the proper level. Without the recommended level, the engine may break down in the middle of the road. Moreover, changing the engine oil at a regular interval is important. Engine oil makes the engine well-lubricated.

Another essential thing to check is the engine coolant. Whether you are riding in hot or cool weather, the engine coolant keeps your car engine at a normal temperature. If there is a lack of coolant, naturally the engine gets overheated.

5. Change the Air Filters

An air filter is such a significant spare in a car that helps the engine work efficiently. An old air filter blocks the fresh air to the engine, and the efficiency of the engine will ultimately be reduced. Very few car riders emphasize the importance of air filters. They have been using the same old, dirty air filter for several years. Cabin or engine air filters, you have to change them yearly or half yearly according to your car's use. In the long run, your car, you must remember all these little things.

6. Take Emergency Kits

No matter how you maintain your car, after all, it is a machine. There are many instances where good-conditioned cars have problems in the middle of a long trip. To tackle this unexpected happening, all the emergency kits, such as the tyre repair kit, first aid kit, basic tools (screwdriver, wrenches, etc.), and reflective triangles, can save your life in the crisis because you will not find a garage everywhere.

7. Check Car Lights

Lights are crucial in any car, as you may drive cars at night. In hot countries, many drivers prefer to start their journey in the late nights. First of all, the headlights give you perfect vision in the darkness. On the other hand, traillights and brake lights are used for altering the drivers behind you. Undoubtedly, without working lights, you should not even plan for a long drive.

8. Test Windscreen and Wipers

Before going for a long drive, check your car’s windscreen. This checking makes you sure if there is a crack or any other damage. It enables you to repair or replace it sooner rather than later. If you are driving in a rainy season and the wiper is not working, then you can’t see anything forward. So, the same thing applies to the wipers, too.

9. Avoid Using Dead Battery

Dead batteries are one of the issues you might face at any time, and it can be before the long trip also. Every car battery has a self-life, and it’s around 5 years. There can be voltage or charging issues. Then you must go to the garage and check it. As per the expert’s recommendation, charge or replace the old battery before the long drive. 

10. Check the Air Conditioner

In modern car models, there is an inbuilt AC. In hot and humid weather, a working AC is a must on a long riding journey. There are several problems in an AC, such as leaks, gas shortages or electrical issues. Don’t forget to repair a non-working AC before the long drive.

Why We Should Get Car Checked Before Going on a Road Trip

The question here arises as to why it is required to check all these things before starting a new long trip. The first and most essential reason is prioritizing safety and security. While you are going on a long trip, you come across many unfamiliar roads, conditions and weather. You have to prepare your car to cope with these surroundings. The pre-trip inspection ensures safety and security as much as possible.

Moreover, many issues, like AC and a good-condition car, ensure the comfort of the driver and the riders. By addressing these problems, the car riders escape from any inconvenience. With the help of testing car conditions, you bring down the stress, tension and headaches. Hence, you are able to enjoy your long drive with your family and friends. Here, the importance of car checking or testing lies.

Conclusion

In the end, it is pamount why you should check and what to check. These few simple checks just before the long trip save you from a lot of things. Many car riders are unknown to these above things before reading this informative article. As you reach so far, you are now well-versed in the car testing process.

Simultaneously, you should keep in mind the conditions of the car in detail with the road map and other belongings. Do you have any plans for setting off a long drive? Then this article is truly beneficial and helpful. Knowing these things, now you are capable of starting your desired journey.

FAQs:

1. What should I do if the car brakes make noise before the long trip?

Ans: If your car brake gives an awkward sound, you should go to a garage and check the brake. The mechanic will repair or replace the brake.

2. Is it necessary to check my car tyres before the long drive?

Ans:Yes, it’s compulsory to check the tyres to prevent the car from any road accidents. There may be a crack or any other problem in the tyres.

3. Do I need to fill the car tank with fuel just before the long trip?

Ans: As fuel pumps are not situated on every highway, you must fill the tank with fuel. It saves you from running out of fuel in your car.

4. Which emergency kits must I keep in a car for a long journey?

Ans: Emergency kits such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and first aid kits are essential to keep. These kits are capable of minor problems for your car in the middle of the road.

5. Can I go for a long trip with a broken windscreen?

Ans: No, you can’t go for a long journey with a broken windscreen because it saves you from rain, wind and other natural calamities. You must repair or replace it from a car garage.

For further reading:

Keep Calm And Drive Safely On Indian Roads - 9 Ways

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.

Source: Car Care Council, Firestone Complete Auto Care, Auto Care Plus, Scout My Trip, Mobiloil.com, Samarins.com, Popularmechanics.com