Planning a holiday trip comes with multiple responsibilities, especially if traveling by land. Learn these five car maintenance tips before going on your holiday road trip.
Ensuring your car is in optimal condition will positively impact the overall experience of a road trip with your friends or family. You must constantly monitor various elements associated with your car to ensure it performs at its best and reduces the risk of damage.
Before going on a road trip, these five car maintenance tips will give you valuable information about simple tasks you must do to prevent malfunctions. Safely getting to your destination is the priority, and with the best practices you can do daily, this will be easier.
Clean the Interior
Cleaning your car’s interior before a road trip means disposing of unnecessary things that could take up much-needed room for passengers and your gear. Depending on your destination, you might need extra space if you are traveling with camping equipment or multiple pieces of luggage. A clean interior with fewer moving objects prevents accidents and keeps you safe on the road.
Check the Tires
Tires are the most important element in your car, and you must pay special attention to them to have a perfect trip. Checking the air pressure is important because this also affects your gas mileage. If your tires are low on air, your car becomes heavier, and harder for the engine to move. A simple daily routine of checking for rocks, nails, and leaks will prevent bigger problems from developing.
Inspect the Windshield
Windshields protect you and your passengers from direct exposure to wind and flying objects that can cause harm. Before a long trip, check your windshield for cracks and wipers to ensure they are working perfectly. A windshield crack on a road trip is dangerous. As soon as you notice it, and when it is safe to do so, take your car to the nearest reputable auto shop to have it fixed. Waiting to do so will only cost you more in time and resources.
Test the Suspension and Alignment
Proper alignment will make driving your car feel like a smooth and bump-less ride, making it more comfortable for your passengers, too. Alignment problems will make your car shake, damaging the engine and loosening parts, such as screws, that can develop into more problems later. Before taking your car on a road trip, have professionals check your suspension and re-align your car.
Examine the Brakes
Brakes have different components, such as discs and pads, that work together to slow down your car and wear out over time. Checking your brakes for irregularities, such as screeching noises and vibrations, is essential to detect possible problems. A week before your trip, ensure that everything is working perfectly so your car will be ready to go.
