This is a collaborative post: Summer is finally here. The beach, mountains and forests are calling, and the wanderlust that has been brewing up in you for some time needs to be unleashed. With months and months of uncertainty behind you, planning your next road trip is as essential as breathing air!
But then there’s your car to think about. It might have been stationary for some time, can be a bit temperamental on the brakes or simply looks like something is growing on the back seat. Before you even think about taking to the roads, there are 8 motor checkups you need to make before you head off. Read on to find out more:
Check your tyre pressure
The first point of contact for any car to the road is its tyres. They allow you to move, brake, grip and steer properly as you drive, and without them, you’re not going anywhere.
Checking your tyre pressure ahead of any long journey is a must, and if you’re not quite sure what you are doing, your vehicle’s manual will have all the information you need inside to ensure your tyres are just right.
If you’re not fortunate enough to have built-in tyre pressure sensors, then you can use a tyre pressure guage to check the levels. Simple.
Check coolant levels
Not only does antifreeze or coolant protect your engine from extremely cold temperatures, but it also removes excess heat from the engine. This is particularly important ahead of a long journey as sunny days behind the wheel in idle motorway traffic is a hotspot for overheating engines!
All you have to do is locate your radiator reservoir under the bonnet, and make sure the coolant level is sitting comfortably between the minimum and maximum. If it’s looking a bit low, make sure you refer to your vehicle handbook to make sure you use the correct coolant for your engine.
Screenwash and windscreen wipers
Keeping your windscreen free of dirt and smears is one of the number one rules of driving safety. So before you set off, make sure you check your windscreen wipers for any wear or tear and replace them if necessary.
Now that your windscreen wipers are good to go, make sure your screenwash is topped up so you can keep your screen clear throughout your travels. If there is room in the boot, its worth packing spare screenwash particularly if your trip takes you out on to rougher terrain.
Don’t forget to check for any chips or cracks in your windscreen. Failing to get even the smallest chip fixed could cause you further problems down the road.
Don’t neglect the oil
If the engine is the heart of your vehicle, then the oil is the nutrient packed blood that keeps your engine running smoothly.
Running out of oil is a risk not worth taking as it can either cause lasting damage or leave you stranded. Fortunately, you can quickly find out if your car has enough oil by checking the levels via the dipstick – or your car’s built-in monitor for new vehicles.
Even if you haven’t received a warning light on your dashboard, checking oil levels ahead of any journey is essential.
Make sure you use oil specific to your car (all information is within your manual and also printed on most oils), and never overfill the oil well, as this can also be damaging to your engine.
Test all your lights
Not only are fully functioning lights essential for safe travel, but they inform all your fellow drivers what your intentions are on the roads. So make sure you check:
- Headlights
- Side lights
- Indicators
- Brake Lights
- Hazards
- Fog lights
Now this isn’t a solo job, so get your partner, friend or family member to help you out as you go through each light motion. Apply your brakes, go from high beam to dipped, switch into reverse gear, the works!
Most faulty bulbs are easy to replace. Just make sure you check the part number before ordering from your local motoring supply shop or garage. Failing that, its a low cost job at your local garage.
Don’t forget fuel
Setting off on any road trip without filling up your tank is not only a rookie error, but it is a surefire way to add stress to your journey. So make sure you top up the tank before you go. That way you can drive with peace of mind and you won’t have to make any unnecessary stops along the way.
If you have an electric vehicle (EV) or a plug-in hybrid, make sure your car is fully charged before you head off and make sure you know where all the appropriate charging stations are along your route.
Don’t be stingy with the snacks!
Ok, now that your motor is in tip top condition to go, you need to make sure that you have all the fuel you need for your journey plus anything that may be useful in an emergency. You may wish to include:
- Plenty of snacks and drinks
- A red warning triangle
- Spare clothes (especially a warm and/or waterproof jacket)
- Torch
- SatNav
- Spare oil, coolant, fuel
- First aid kit
- Spare tyre
If you are travelling through Europe, you may want to brush up on their road safety standards before you head off. Some countries such as France expect you to carry two red warning triangles for instance.
Final checks: Will my car make the journey?
If you have any doubts about your car making the whole journey then it may be time to finally give in and upgrade your vehicle. Think of this as the nudge you needed to start your car financing journey!
With newer, bolder and future proof models on the market, having a vehicle that is not only powerful but will be an asset throughout your travels is a worthwhile investment. If you are new to the financing phenomenon or need specialist bad credit car financing, there are a broad range of reputable dealers available with a few clicks of the button.
Has your car passed the motor checkup test? With a few simple checks your car will be ready to go in no time. Where will your next roadtrip take you?