A long trip is a serious test for your
car and even a small problem such as a worn windshield wiper, out-of-balance
tire can pose a lot of problems. Here are a few simple tips on how to prepare
your vehicle for a trip. Book an appointment with your mechanic well before
your trip. Packages comprising an oil change, tire rotation, mechanical
inspection and battery maintenance
should sort this for you. Don't leave it for the last moment, do it few days
before your trip.
- First, check under the hood for leaks, unclean car battery terminals, worn out drive belts, etc. If any of these searches yield positive results, you should probably visit your mechanic. Check all the fluids. Start with the engine oil.
- Check the automatic transmission fluid
- Visually check engine coolant (antifreeze) in the overflow tank
- Check the car battery condition visually. If you see any acid leaks, cracks or other damage, the car battery must be replaced. Make sure the battery terminals are tight and not corroded. Corroded terminals will cause troubles. Unfortunately, there is no way to tell when the four wheeler battery will die; sometimes it happens unexpectedly with no prior signs. However, if you feel that when you are starting the car, the engine cranks slower than normally, the battery is probably close to its end. Usually a new battery may last from 3 to 6 years, so if your four wheeler battery is 4-5 years old, it's a good idea to have it tested before a trip.
- Check your Air filter
- Check Lights and other electrical equipment
- Check Brakes, steering, suspension and drive train components
- Check for tire issues like air pressure of the spare tire
- Check whether the wheel wrench and the jack are in order
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