Are you going on vacation soon and take your car to make a long journey? It is important for your safety to check certain checkpoints.
As you approach the summer, many of you are planning car trips, and this is a very good idea. A great way to let go, change air and live good moments with family and friends. Leaving on the road offers the promise of an epic adventure... that can quickly turn to the nightmare if you are not careful. In order to avoid misadventures to end as in a road movie which runs badly, read this travel guide about 20 tips to prepare your car well to face the long journeys in all serenity.
Before leaving
Check or change the oil : If the time has not come to drain oil, check the oil level with the gauge and complete if necessary.
Replace the engine air filter : Consult your operating manual to locate the air filter. If it is crushed or obstructed, do not hesitate to replace it.
Check your ignition candles : If your car is slowing down or you have difficulty starting it, it may be time to replace your spark plugs. Verify that the candles are neither corroded nor encrassed and that the electrode spread is correct. Otherwise, replace them, without forgetting to consult your manual to perform the manoeuvre as necessary.
Check your tyres : Nothing is worse than having to deal with a puncture on a highway in the middle of a particle. To avoid this, check the condition of your tires before taking the road. A simple coin will do the trick. Introduce a piece of a Euro at the bottom of a groove of the rolling surface. If the stars engraved on the edge of the room are visible, the time has come to change your tire. Some tires have wear indicators (see manufacturer’s website). Similarly, if you see cracks, tears or hernias on the surface of your tires, they are ready to be replaced. In addition, if your car vibrates or shoots on the side, you may need to make a parallel setting before taking the road. Finally, if everything looks good, make sure the tires are inflated to the right pressure.
Check the shock absorbers : Your car makes strange noises when you roll on bumps? Or is the front “plonge” when you brake or accelerate? Strongly press your hood to check if your car bounces after you have released it. If this is the case, you may need change your shock absorbers before .
Check the state of the jack and rescue wheel : Do not underestimate this control before departure. It is not because the emergency wheel has never been used that it is in good condition. Like all the tyres, the spare tires are deflated over time: make sure yours is properly inflated. Well, check that your jack is in the right place. And think about testing it before the trip to see if it works properly.
Photo credit: PxHere
Check or change the wipers and the ice wash : Insects, dirt and weather can easily obscure your windshield. To clear your view, replace your wipers and fill your ice-washer tank. Most wipers are easy to replace themselves. Just follow the instructions in your manual or on the packaging of spare parts.
Check liquid level : Assisted steering fluid, transmission oil and antifreeze are essential fluids for travel. Make sure yours have been changed and filled to the levels recommended by the manufacturer. Most liquid containers have gauges and volume indicators on the side.
Empty the radiator : High temperatures can lead to overheating of your car. To avoid finding yourself on the edge of the road with a smoking car, think about getting your radiator purged, especially if the last drain dates more than a year. Indeed, it is common that antifreeze sediments obstruct ducts. The radiator drain is essential to the proper operation of your vehicle.
Check the lights : Stop lights, flashing lights, driving beams and passing beams – test them all in the dark.
Check the battery state : Open the hood to inspect the battery. Are the connections loosened? Broken or broken cables? Is the case crassed, corroded or even cracked? If you see suinter liquid of the battery, it's time to replace it. You can clean the terminals by removing the cables first (the negative first), then rubbing them with an old toothbrush and a dough based on baking soda and water. Car batteries have a lifetime of three to five years. How old is yours? You can test it with a voltmeter.
Check the brakes : Fill the brake fluid and check the brake pads – especially if you leave in the mountains. The goal is to avoid the brakes drop you in a steep descent. If your platelets are worn, i.e. a thickness of 5 millimetres or less, replace them.
Inspect belts and pipes : Have you spotted holes, cracks or broken walls in your belts or pipes? Replace them now before it costs you in repairs.
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Zach Dischner
Check your plip : Many recent manufacturing cars are equipped with a remote door locking system: “plip” . If you’ve been using it for a long time, consider replacing the battery so you don’t get stuck outside the vehicle.
Read your manual : Few people take the time to read their vehicle usage manual until there is an emergency. A quick reading today could avoid you serious trouble later.
Check your klaxon - Just once, thank you. Better to avoid anointing neighbors.
What to take during your long drive
Here are some items that can be useful in the event of a tree on the road:
- Tire gauge
- Pressure foam for tires
- Bridge cables
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Roasted adhesive tape roll
- Towing strap or towing rope
- Utility knife
- Poncho rain
- Entonnoir
- Drinking water
- Collations
- Coverage
But also:
Sunset : The hours spent under a lead sun can be harmful to both drivers and passengers. The lateral suction cups help reduce the impact of heat and glare on the road.
Car insurance and contact information for emergency assistance : Needless to say, it would be imprudent to leave without these basic guarantees.
Mobile phone and charger : something that has become almost indispensable nowadays, your mobile phone is one of the most valuable travel accessories. Whether you’re using it to listen to music, use GPS, find a restaurant or call in an emergency, it’s your best ally. Think about buying a cigarette lighter phone charger, to make sure you don't find yourself in battery when you're in the middle of nowhere.
First aid kit Among the essentials, we think of disinfectant bandages, scissors and towels. These basic elements can be supplemented by an insect repellent, sun cream, anti-inflammatory and, if you have a doctor’s prescription, a Epipen (adrenaline auto-injection pen), useful in case of severe allergic reaction.
Songs, books and games : Impossible to go by car without a soundtrack worthy of this name! And if you have children, prepare a bag of games to entertain them. Also think of audio books: they allow to travel long distances in a blink of an eye.
A GPS or cards : Are you not a follower of the old navigation method? Consult your app store to download one of the many mobile GPS navigation applications. The Google Maps app is pre-installed on many smartphones.
Main photo credit: PxHere
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