How to Prepare Your Vehicle for a Long Trip

There is a lot to do before a big road trip. You have to get yourself ready, there’s packing to do, and you have an itinerary to prepare. But don’t forget that while you’re on the road your vehicle is your partner. Preparing your car for a trip is one of the best things you can do to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Having a breakdown while you’re far from home can be expensive and stressful, not to mention detrimental to the remainder of your trip. Take good care of your car to avoid this unfortunate situation. Keep reading for our tips on preparing your vehicle for a long trip.

Check Your Tires

One of the most common roadside emergencies is a flat tire. Typically this is the kind of nuisance which can put an end to your trip but a tire blowout can be very dangerous as well. The first thing to inspect are your tires whenever you’re preparing your car for a trip.

All tires should be property inflated according to the manufacturer specifications. While it is normal for the tire pressure to fluctuate somewhat, a persistent decline could indicate a leak. Tires should also have a good amount of tread left especially if you’re heading into unknown territory where road conditions may not be what you expect.

Check your tires thoroughly but prepare for problems anyway. Make sure you have all that you need to perform a roadside repair. A car jack, wrench, and a spare tire that is in good condition are all must-haves for any road trip.

Check Your Fluids

A big part of preparing your car for a trip is checking and topping up all the fluids that keep your vehicle going. This step is very important because it can prevent mechanical issues from developing during the trip. Having a breakdown away from familiar territory is a difficult situation to be in.

Prior to departure you should be checking the levels and condition of your oil, coolant, brake, transmission, and power steering fluids. Top up any that are low or do a full change if needed. As a last step take a peek at your windshield washer fluid to make sure you have plenty to get you where you need to go.

Check Your Brakes

Having responsive brakes can save your life and keep you safe. Whenever you’re preparing your car for a trip ensure that your brakes are in good working order. There are a few things you can check with a visual inspection.

Look to see if your brake pads have plenty of life left for the trip and more. Test that each brake caliper engages and releases when it should. The brake pedal should feel firm but not stiff or spongy and there should be no noise or excessive vibrations when you engage the brakes.

Test Your Battery

Car batteries eventually lose their ability to hold a charge and they need to be replaced. You can test the condition of your battery with a multimeter at home. Since the battery is charged by your vehicle’s alternator whenever you drive it’s best to do the testing after a few days of not driving the car. That will give the battery time to deplete if it is faulty.

Car batteries eventually lose their ability to hold a charge and they need to be replaced. You can test the condition of your battery with a multimeter at home. Since the battery is charged by your vehicle’s alternator whenever you drive it’s best to do the testing after a few days of not driving the car. That will give the battery time to deplete if it is faulty.

Clean The Vehicle

If you’re preparing your car for a trip then you’re probably about to be spending a lot of time in it. Make the experience more enjoyable by giving your vehicle a good cleaning. Begin by clearing out all clutter and any unnecessary items.

Use a vacuum to clean the seats, floors, and trunk using the attachments to get into all the nooks and crannies. If the car has been neglected for a while you can use a carpet washing machine to freshen up upholstery and carpets. Wipe down all hard surfaces and wash all the windows both on the inside and on the outside.

Get a Vehicle Inspection

In some cases it may be best to get the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic before you set off on your trip. This is especially true if the car is older or if you don’t know how to perform the above mentioned maintenance and inspections yourself. Getting a professional inspection can give you peace of mind and ensure that everything is in proper working order.

Prepare For Emergencies

It’s prudent to take preventative measures to stop problems before they start but even your best efforts at preparing your car for a trip might not be enough. It’s important to be prepared in case you do suffer a breakdown on the go. That’s why your car isn’t ready for the road without a roadside emergency kit in the trunk.

A basic kit should include road flares, jumper cables, tire puncture seal, a small shovel, sand for traction, a candle in a deep can, matches, tow rope, fire extinguisher, tire pressure gauge, and assorted tools. It’s also a good idea to bring extra fluids for your vehicle such as oil, antifreeze, and a spray bottle with washer fluid, as well as extra fuses. These items can help you cope with minor mechanical issues.

Your emergency kit should also include things to keep you comfortable in case you need to stay put for a while such as food, water, a flashlight, toilet paper, a whistle, blankets and warm clothes. Don’t forget a well stocked first aid kit to help you deal with medical emergencies. It’s also a good idea to pack an extra phone charger along with batteries, a road map, a pen, and paper.

Not sure if your car has what it takes to make it a safe and enjoyable trip? It might be time for an upgrade. myAutoloan can help you get the car you need for a great road trip.