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5 Car Maintenance Tips Before You Go On A Road Trip

Going on a trip can be one of the most amazing times in a person’s life. Whether it’s with friends or with family, it can prove to be one of the most amazing times of your life. However, before you embark on your journey of fun, you need to make sure that you keep security in high regard. When you’re driving during a road trip, you are responsible for yourself and the people around you. In order to make sure that everything goes smoothly, you should make sure that the car you opt to take is in good condition and can travel long distances.

If you’ve come across this article looking for things you need to get done before you hit the road, you’ve come to the right place. Here mentioned below are five car maintenance essentials that you need to take care of before you start your road trip.

1. Check the heating and cooling system

Depending on the weather that you’re going on a road trip you need to make sure that the car’s heating and cooling system is working. Traveling long distances in a closed car in summer can cause a heat stroke. If you’re sensitive to heat, make sure to recheck the cooling system. The heating system is also essential as you wouldn’t want to be stuck in the middle of a snowstorm with no way to keep yourself warm.

2. Make sure your tires are in good condition

The most important thing to get checked before you go on a road trip is your tires. You need to check if they are in optimum condition. If you think your tires have reached the tread mark, you need to replace your tires as you wouldn’t want them giving away on the road. Other than that, you need to examine your tires and make sure all tires have equal pressure. Make sure that there aren’t any bubbles, bulges, or cracks in the tires.

Always keep a functional tire at the back of your car. A spare tire is no good without a tire changing kit, so make sure that if you’re taking more than one car, all of them have their own separate tire changing kit. Recheck these things before you go as you wouldn’t want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere, with no way to change a flat tire.

3. Check your lights

Your lights are also an essential part you need to check before you head out. If your lights are somewhat damaged or better suited for travelling within the city, then it is recommended to change your halogen lights for some of the best led headlights in the market. Apart from your headlight, all other indicators should be functioning before you go on a trip.

Led lights are more powerful and long-lasting. They will provide a better vision spectrum if you travel at night. If you’re planning on covering a long distance in harsh weather, then this is an absolute must that you should invest it. While a DIY video can guide you through the installation process, it’s better if you get it done by a professional.

4. Pay a visit to the mechanic

While you may think you can take care of everything yourself, there are many things you might not even know about. Take your car to a mechanic nearby and ask him to give your car a thorough look through. There are many circuits that can be out of order or other details that you might have missed. The car needs other essential fluids such as brake oils, fluids for the cooling system, etc. that you might not have known off, so it is better to get your car tuned up by a professional.

Once you get a full examination form the mechanic, you’re ready to go. However, it is good to alert the insurance company of your travel plans and hand in a report that states the condition of your car in case something happens and they try to go back on their word. Try to go to the mechanic a few weeks beforehand so that the mechanic has the time to look at everything carefully, and has time to fix any problem he comes by. Leaving everything to the last minute can not only delay your trip, but it can also be a cause of canceling it altogether.

5. Check your brakes

I’m sure you’ve seen enough movies to know what happens if your brakes fail. Make sure that you get your brakes checked before you hit the road. If your brake pads are worn out you should also replace them as you will be covering long distances each day. While a mechanic will take care of the brakes during the tune-up, you need to be aware of the sounds that indicate that there is a problem. If you hear any funny sounds such as squeaking or scraping or if you feel the brakes getting hotter than usual along your way make a mental note of getting your car checked at the first mechanic shop you see on your way.

If you’ve gone through the above-mentioned tips, you now know what you need to take care of before you embark on a road trip. Once you’re done with the maintenance, you should wash your car and get it ready for your road trip. Remember that safety comes before everything else, and it should be your primary concern. While this may sound like your mother scolding you, the number of road accidents on road trips in the US has only increased over the past few years. Having fun at the cost of someone’s life isn’t something you’ll enjoy. When you are driving, and your car is being used, it is your social and ethical responsibility to take care of those who go with you and make such they get back home safe and sound. While some tasks may take a little time to get done, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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