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Ten Tasks to Be Accomplished Before the Road Trip
Worried about taking your car out for a long trip? Did you know long trips are actually easier on your car than the daily driving your poor car suffers? However, it is quite normal to worry if your car has grown in years or it does not delivery the expected fuel economy numbers. We also understand that a breakdown far away from home can really ruin all the fun.
Plan your trip and perform a few simple checks before you start off and you can definitely stave off many common problems. Start early and prepare your car well in advance. Relax! Unexpected things can happen, but there are just a few guidelines that you need to follow to get rid of a lot of potential problems. Here are the ten most important ones. Follow them and enjoy your long ride.
Plan your trip and perform a few simple checks before you start off and you can definitely stave off many common problems. Start early and prepare your car well in advance. Relax! Unexpected things can happen, but there are just a few guidelines that you need to follow to get rid of a lot of potential problems. Here are the ten most important ones. Follow them and enjoy your long ride.
Any Major Repairs?
Does your car need any major repairs? Get them done at least a month in advance. Should there be any side effects of the repair, you can identify them well before the trip. Get any scheduled maintenance done. If you think your car is going to come due for an oil change or other maintenance during your trip, get it done now.
Check the Coolant
Your destination may be a lot warmer or cooler than home. So, get expert opinion or have your mechanic check the coolant's mixture of antifreeze and water so that the car is properly protected. If need demands it, change the coolant.
Have Mercy on Your Tyres
Check the tyres and ensure they are inflated to the right pressure. Only then, will they show mercy and let you enjoy a peaceful trip. Low pressure can lead to extra heat build-up which can lead to a blowout at high speeds. Read the instructions on your owner manual for checking tire pressure. You may also find this information on a sticker in the door jamb or fuel filler flap.
Check the tyre treads. Keep re-checking the tyre pressure regularly till the day of your trip. Each time, they should be about the same as they were last time you checked them. Many cars have two recommended ratings, one for light loads and one for heavy loads and/or high speeds. If you're taking the whole family, visit your local gas station and inflate the tyres to the higher setting. Also remember, the pressure needs to be set when the tires are cold.
Don't spare the spare tyre too. See that it is fully inflated. Promptly place the jack, wrench, and other tyre-changing tools in the trunk without fail. If your car has wheel locks, make sure you have the adapter for the lock-nut.
Check the tyre treads. Keep re-checking the tyre pressure regularly till the day of your trip. Each time, they should be about the same as they were last time you checked them. Many cars have two recommended ratings, one for light loads and one for heavy loads and/or high speeds. If you're taking the whole family, visit your local gas station and inflate the tyres to the higher setting. Also remember, the pressure needs to be set when the tires are cold.
Don't spare the spare tyre too. See that it is fully inflated. Promptly place the jack, wrench, and other tyre-changing tools in the trunk without fail. If your car has wheel locks, make sure you have the adapter for the lock-nut.
Anything Missing in the Glovebox?
Check for the owner's manual and registration. Most car makers have manuals online in PDF format. So, if yours is lost, get one immediately and put it in your glovebox. Check if your registration is going to expire during the trip. If you wish, you may carry it in your wallet (in case the car is stolen).
Say Goodbye to Car Litter
Clean out your car. The heavier your car is with all the unwanted stuff, the more fuel it is going to burn. Clean mercilessly. If in doubt, take it out. If you miss anything in the next few days before your trip, you can always put it back.
Clear the Throat
Check the air filter. A congested air filter can reduce your car's otherwise outstanding mileage. Replacing the air filter is not going to cost you much and it is easy to change. If your car's current air filter has been serving you for more than 10,000 miles, it's time to clean it or change it.
Where's Your Atlas?
Think your GPS is enough to get you through the entire distance? Even if the answer is yes, buy a road atlas. Hours and hours of travelling can get boring. Getting off the beaten path can add an entirely new dimension to your trip.
Hope You Know Them All
Do you know the basic driver skills? Do you know to change a flat tyre or jump start the car if the battery dies? In case your car suffers a breakdown or you get locked out of your car, calling the nearest service centre for roadside assistance is the max you can do. But, know how to take care of the petty problems and have the necessary contact details at hand.
Will Your Car Be as Energetic as You?
Fill the gas tank adequately and let there be enough fuel to power your way. Besides, gas may be more expensive outside your city. Carry an additional bottle of fuel, lest you forget to re-fill the tank on the way and completely run out of fuel.
The Final Search for Unwanted Stuff
Just before setting out, look at what you've packed. Open your suitcases and take one last look. Do you really need all that stuff? If there's anything you can do without, get rid of it. Load evenly and carefully. If you're carrying lots of heavy objects, position them forward in the trunk and distribute the weight evenly side to side. Cars don't have unlimited carrying capacity, so don't overload.
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