As summer approaches, you might be thinking about how you can make the most of the sunny weather before it quickly disappears in winter. One of the best ways to embrace the sunshine in all its glory is to plan a long road trip with your family.
Road trips are the perfect opportunity to bond with your loved ones while exploring a brand-new area of the world. Whether you plan to drive to the next town or take a ride down the coast, you can go wherever you like when you’re driving. You have much more freedom than when you’re traveling by train, bus, or plane.
As fun as group road trips are, they do take a lot of planning and preparation. You need to make sure that you are covered with the best car insurance and your car is in great shape for a long drive. Failing to check over one area of your car could lead to problems along your journey.
How to Prepare Your Car For a Long Journey
When it comes to getting your vehicle ready for a long drive, there should be no stones left unturned (or should we say no car parts left unchecked).
From the wheels to the truck to the engine, you will need to run over every area of your vehicle to ensure that it is working optimally. However, the most important areas to check if you want your journey to go smoothly.
Here are some key areas to check in order to prepare your vehicle:
- Engine and battery – for obvious reasons, your car engine and battery must be in full working order if you want a safe and seamless journey. Check that the battery is not corroded in any area and make sure that all of the pipes and wiring around the engine are not broken.
- Tires – use a tire pressure gauge to check that your tires are pumped up to the correct tread depth. In most places, the tread depth must be 1.6 mm. Also, make sure there are no punctures in any of your tires.
- Lights – every one of your lights should be tested, including the headlights, brake lights, and turn signal lights. To test your lights properly, it’s best to do this at night when it’s dark outside.
- Fluid levels – Look under the bonnet of your car and check the fluid levels. This includes the engine oil, brake fluid, and antifreeze fluid levels. If any of these are low, top them up before you set off.
- Brakes – testing your brakes before you set off on a long road trip is essential. If your brakes fail along the way, it could lead to a collision and some serious injuries. Gently apply pressure to the break and check that they do not feel spongy or soft. If they feel weak, you may need to get the brake pads replaced before your journey.
Read Also: How To Plan A Successful Group Trip
