The Ultimate Car Checklist Before a Long Road Trip

Are you planning a long drive for the weekend? Surely, it is one of the most enjoyable experiences in our lives, especially if you are going to be spending a good amount of time behind the wheel. Open roads, scenic paths, and the possibility of a unique trip is irresistible.   

However, nothing can be as much of a joy kill as a road safety hazard or emergency, especially if you are not prepared for one. If you think checking the gas and tire pressure is road check enough, this article is here to change your mind. 

Not only is this article about professional guidance to check your vehicle before a long drive, but it also serves insider knowledge and detailed instructions to help you spot potential issues before they become expensive problems. These techniques will get your car ready for the road, regardless of your experience level as a road tripper or first long travel planner. 

Items to Check Before Going on a Long Trip

Tires 

Inadequate maintenance of tires can lead to poor handling, drastic reduction in efficient fuel consumption and even tire bursts, which can lead to disaster at high speeds. It is why we need to know the in-depth knowledge about tire keeping: 

1. Pressure 
2. Tread depth 
3. Rotation 
4. Sidewall damage 
5. Punctures and wears 

Pressure 

Tracking tire pressure will help you to save money on your car expenses by maintaining good fuel efficiency.  See the owner’s manual to find out what tire pressure you should maintain.  

In some cars, you can also find a tire placard on the driver’s side door jamb, with the pressure limit on it. Most people prefer to get the tire pressure checked and restored at gas stations or car washes, but you can easily invest in a gauge at home.  

Tread Depth 

Experts suggest checking your tire tread depth every 3,000 mi. (5,000 km) or once it reaches 4/32 inches deep. If your tread depth reads 2/32 inches or less, it’s time to replace your tires. 

There are simple tests to check it on your own. The most common one is the penny test: Insert a penny into your tire’s tread grooves. Make sure that Lincoln’s head is upside down and facing you (or any other figure represented on the coin of your choice). If you can see the head in its entirety, your tire tread has lost its depth, and you need to replace the tires. 

Rotation  

Few people know when and how best to change their tires, and no we are not talking about fixing a punctured tire by replacing it with a new one. Make sure your tires have lately been rotated if you are planning a long trip, i.e., every 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers), you should rotate the tires on your car.   

While these are usually done at an oil change, you can do it yourself.  Rotating tire positions help balance out the wear on the tires which carry the load most of the time. 

Sidewall Damage  

People often think sidewall damage refers to any damage to the outer or inner wall of a tire, not just the tread area. Look for damage such as bulges, cracks, and holes brought on by sharp item ruptures before heading off on a trip.   

Should you sense sidewall damage, avoid driving the car until the tire has been changed.   You should visit a specialist if you are able to determine the extent of the damage.   

Punctures and Wears 

Since we are talking about sidewalk damage, we must mention punctures and wear and ways to fix them, especially when these are the most common tire problems that can happen on a road trip.   

A common way to patch punctures is the plug and patch repair method, which is also the safest for tread punctures. For general wear, experts recommend regular maintenance, rotation and alignment for longer tire and vehicle life. 

Car Fluids 

The second most important maintenance item has to be the car fluids. These include (but are not limited to): 

• Engine oil 
• Coolant 
• Brake fluid 

Engine Oil 

Engine oil is the most essential of the car fluids as it helps lubricate the internal components of the engine. Before going on a trip, ensure that the engine oil is lubricating well enough. You can do this in a parked car where the engine is static. Open the hood, locate the dipstick and take it out. The engine oil that comes stuck to it should be wiped clean before reinsertion.  

Experts instruct us to look for the viscosity of the oil that comes out the second time. A well-lubricating engine oil will be thicker and will slip between fingers easily.  Now that you have checked the oil condition, check the oil level against the markings (minimum and maximum). If the oil level is lower, it is time for an oil change. 

Coolant 

Coolant helps control the temperature of the entire system, preventing heat-related failures on hot days or during cruising. Make sure the engine is off when you are trying to refill or check the levels of coolant.  Open the hood and find the coolant reservoir, which usually features a tag bearing the words “Coolant Reservoir.”   

Look at the “FULL” and “LOW” marks to determine whether you require more coolant or not.  See your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a specialist for advice on the kind of coolant to use or how to correctly check and top off the level.   

Brake Fluid 

Brake fluid helps maintain perfect braking performance by transferring pressure from the brake pedal with the help of the fluid. It is crucial that the fluid is working properly for brakes to work. If you are traveling to a hilly or mountainous area, your brakes should work perfectly, and you have to check on the brake fluid beforehand.    

You will be able to locate the brake fluid reservoir beneath the master cylinder which is behind the brake pedal. Check that the fluid level falls within the “min” and “max” lines engraved on the reservoir. You must also look at the color of the fluid; it should be transparent or honey brown instead of dark brown or black. 

Belts and hoses 

Before going on a trip, give your belts or hoses a good look. You can get more information about where to locate them on your vehicle by looking at the manual.  The basic operations of your car (power steering control, cooling system functioning, and electrical performance) are the results of optimally running belts and hoses.  For a professional check of the belts and hoses for damage, start by ensuring they aren’t slack, leaking, or broken. Make sure to bring your car into tuning that is close to you occasionally. 

Battery 

If your car battery feels like bulging or if there is some trouble starting the car, it is time to change the battery. If you ignore the problem, it might cause alternator problems, leading to engine problems in the long run.  

Lights 

Turn on your headlights to check if they work properly. You might have to ask someone to keep a check on the outside while you apply brakes and indicators to check if the lights work. Similarly, check the reverse lights.  

Should any lights fail, you might have to change the bulbs, but it is best performed by a service station.  

Emergency Preparedness 

Just like you would prepare an emergency first aid kit for your travel, you need to also have an emergency prepared kit for your car. These may include: 

• Spare tire(s) 
• Car jack 
• Locking wheel nut key 
• Wrench 
• Air gauge or pump 
• Tape 
• Rope 
• Pliers 
• Extra clothing 
• Blanket 
• Torch 
• Snacks 
• Red warning cone 
• First aid kit, etc. 

Here are some other checks you can tick off your list before going on a long drive: 

• Make sure every filter in your car has been serviced and in good working order.  
• Change burnt-out lights on a priority basis to prevent dangerous driving situations and traffic violations. 
• Verify that your air conditioner runs smoothly. 
• If your windscreen wipers are not effectively clearing water or producing streaks on your windscreen, service them. 

Conclusion 

It’s always a good idea to spend some time carefully checking your car before a lengthy journey. In addition to guaranteeing safe, comfortable, and fun travel free from unanticipated events, it will help you maintain the health and good condition of your car.   

Emphasizing tire safety, fluid levels, battery, lights, and an emergency backup supply pack will enable you to drive with confidence knowing your car is in wonderful shape.   

If you follow our guide, you can rest easy, your trip will be full of happy memories and joy because you were one step ahead. So, what are you waiting for?