So, you’ve got a road trip planned – very exciting! Road trips are always fun as you get to see multiple places in one trip. One minute you can be exploring Brighton by the sea in the UK, the next you can be driving through the countryside to Cornwall, where you will finish your trip, ready to relax and unwind at the end of your journey.
No matter where you are going, there are a few checks that you should be doing to your car to ensure it’s ready for the long drive. It goes without saying your tyres should definitely be checked, you should also make sure your car air conditioning is working (especially if you are driving when it’s hot). Alongside this oil checks are important as well as checking your lights are running correctly – you won’t want issues with your lights when driving in the dark!
Below are three checks for your car before you go on a road trip.
Check your tyres
Your tyres are one of the most important things to check before you go on a road trip. Before you leave, make sure they are inflated to the correct pressure and inspect them for any signs of wear, cracks, or damage. Driving on worn tyres can reduce grip on the road and make braking more difficult, especially in wet weather conditions. When checking, you should also check your tread depth to make sure it passes the minimum depth. If it’s below, you could be at risk of getting points on your licence if you get caught.
Check your air conditioning
There’s nothing worse than sitting in traffic on a hot day with broken air conditioning. Sitting in the heat with no cold air is simply horrible – even worse if you are on a road trip. Before going, make sure you check your aircon is running cold and if not, get it down the garage and ask them to top it up for you – air conditioning isn’t too expensive to get topped up. There are two types of air conditioning, depending on your car model will decide on the type you will need. Most new cars will have a different type than older models.
Check your oil levels
Your engine oil plays a vital role in keeping your car running smoothly. Low oil levels can put strain on the engine and potentially lead to expensive damage if ignored. Before heading off on your road trip, simply check your oil. It’s very easy to do, you just need to use the dipstick to check the levels and top it up if it’s needed. If you get stuck, you can quickly pop to your local garage and they will be able to help you – they won’t charge too much to help.
When are you going on your road trip and where will you be going? How good are you at doing regular checks on your vehicle? What checks do you think are most important before going away? Let us know in the comment box below. We look forward to hearing from you.
