Introduction

Planning a road trip should be fun, but picking sites, reserving lodging, and organising activities may stress out even the best prepared traveller. However, with enough planning, the end effect might be spectacular. 

Considering that roads in the United States are the most used mode of transportation in the event of a worldwide pandemic, this is extremely important to remember.

Prior to a long road trip, it is extremely vital to get the car serviced, especially if you will be driving in the summer or to a place that is not on the typical tourist route.

Make sure the vehicle that will transport you there and back is in good working order before setting out. Some of the most important things to do to get your car ready for a summer road trip are listed below.

Make Sure The Batteries Are Still Ok

Never let a dead battery leave you stranded on the side of the road! Keep your car batteries checked and properly charged whether you’re driving in the dead of winter or the scorching heat of summer.

It usually takes between five and seven years of driving for a car battery to completely die out. 

If you are experiencing trouble starting your vehicle, check the date stamped on top of the battery to determine if it needs to be replaced before you continue your journey.

If it’s over three years old and still functional, you might want to have its charging capacity checked. It’s not a huge deal to verify, but the repercussions of ignoring it could be significant.

Alter The Air Filters

If your car’s air filter is dirty, it won’t be able to let fresh air into the engine. This is awful for your nose and your gas mileage.

Simply get the engine and interior air filters serviced at your local shop as soon as possible. They will also advise you on whether or not your air conditioner requires maintenance.

After doing so, you may ensure that your air conditioner doesn’t pick up any unpleasant odours from the outside.

Remember, you don’t want to be driving around in the heat if your air conditioner isn’t working!

Fill Everything To The Brim

There are several different types of fluids that contribute to the smooth operation of your vehicle, including engine coolant, windscreen washer fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and radiator coolant. 

You could be in for some bad news if any of these are low or empty on your upcoming vacation.

Before leaving the house, simply pay a brief visit to a garage and have these fluids checked and topped off.

Your family’s safety and the vehicle’s continued reliability both depend on this. An optional Consumables Cover can be purchased in addition to your standard auto insurance policy.

 

 

Have Your Brakes Inspected

The braking system of a vehicle is crucial. When you need your brakes the most, you don’t want them to give out on you.

Having your car’s brakes checked before any extended travel is essential.

Brake fluid needs to be changed, but you should also inspect the brake pads for wear and rust.

In order to prevent serious injury or death, you should have a professional examine your brakes before setting off on your vacation.

Make Sure The Engine Has Enough Oil

Checking the oil in your car’s engine is another seemingly unimportant detail that can end up being crucial on a lengthy road trip.

If your car’s engine oil is old and dirty, it won’t run, and if it’s too low, it won’t start.

Professionals recommend getting your oil changed every 8,000 kilometres.

In light of this, it’s crucial to make sure your engine has adequate lubrication, that the oil is clean, and that the oil filter is new. 

Keep in mind that it is preferable to have the oil changed completely rather than merely topped off before setting out on your journey.

In addition to the consumables coverage provided by your insurance policy, which will extend to include engine oil, you may also select an Engine Protection Cover.

Make That The Tyres Are Properly Inflated And Have Adequate Tread

Check the tyre pressure regularly and maintain the recommended values. It’s crucial to check the tyre pressure because driving on underinflated or overinflated tyres wastes gasoline and disrupts control.

Uneven wear from improper air pressure can reduce tyre life and cause premature blowouts.

Simply consult your car’s manual (or the label located inside the driver’s door) to learn the optimal tyre pressure.

At the same time, you may rapidly inspect the treads for wear and look for signs of punctures. 

f the tyres are low or worn, you should probably acquire new ones before setting out on the trip. Tires are vulnerable to damage, but a Tyre Protect Cover can help.

Check Whether You Have Any Extra Tyres

The last thing you need to find out if something catastrophic happens to your car’s tyres is that your spare tyre is flat and unusable.

You should check your spare tyre to make sure it is properly inflated and free of cuts and holes.

Before setting out on a lengthy drive, make sure to replace it if necessary. To ensure you have safe and dependable tyres for your journey, it is also crucial that you verify you have all the equipment necessary to change a tyre.

Verify That Your Auto Policy Is Still In Effect

Having valid and up-to-date auto insurance is crucial while taking a road trip or other lengthy motor journey. Whenever your current insurance expires, it’s a good idea to shop around for a more all-encompassing plan.

Then, you can select some helpful add-ons, such as breakdown assistance and passenger cover.

Here is some additional information regarding car insurance that you may find helpful before setting out on the road.

Fill Up The Gas Tank

Filling up on gas (or diesel, if that’s what your car requires!) is the final thing you need to do before setting out on your journey.

We know that the day of your departure will be very full with activity, therefore we recommend doing this the night before your vacation.

You never know when you’ll be able to stop again, so it’s advisable to fill up even if you think you have enough gas to get you there.

While it may seem like an easy preparation step before hitting the road, many people forget to pack this essential item.

Wash Your Automobile Thoroughly

Make sure the inside and outside of your car are spotless before setting off on a lengthy drive. Spending a long time in a dirty, smelly car is one of the worst things that can happen to you.

To ensure a thorough cleaning, focus on high-touch areas like the seats and floor mats.

In addition to making sure your windows and mirrors are spotless for optimal visibility, you need also clean the trunk to protect your luggage from getting dirty or damaged.

You can even have a professional detailer clean your automobile if you like. But whatever you do, don’t forget to re-air freshen the car and stock up on trash bags in case someone makes a mess during the drive!

 

 

Conclusion

You now have all the information you need to prepare your car for a long road trip, whether you choose to do so on your own or have a mechanic do so.

Just double-check your directions and bring along some basic first aid supplies just in case.

Check that your licence, insurance, and registration are current and in the car, then pack your bags, pick out some tunes, and hit the road on your way to an exciting new adventure!

FAQ

Does Driving Long Distances Damage Your Car?

Price of Vehicle Depreciation A lengthy trip can cause expensive wear and tear to your vehicle, some of which you may not notice until much later. 

The engine, the tyres, and any other moving parts take a beating with every mile driven.

What Is The First Rule Of Driving?

Director of road safety for the Ministry of Transport Kanute Haire states, “The first guideline of traffic driving is to relax and take it easy.”

What Are The 5 C’s Of Driving?

Remember to use the “five C’s” (care, caution, consideration, common sense, and courtesy) whenever you’re out on the roads. 

Let’s all do our part to save lives by reducing the number of times people are killed in car accidents by avoiding driving recklessly.

What Is The 3 Second Rule In A Car?

When it comes to keeping a safe following distance, many drivers find the “three-second rule” to be helpful. You should give the car in front of you at least three seconds of room.