Car Checks before a Road Trip

Going on a road trip anytime soon? Before doing so, make sure your car is in good condition. This will help ensure a safe journey and avoid mechanical breakdowns. Then you’re free to turn on the radio and enjoy the road. Don’t forget to get stop for your favorite coffee!

The air filter shouldn’t be ignored.

Having a clean supply of air to your engine will improve your car’s performance. Check the air filter before any road trips. While you’re at it, check and change the cabin filter if necessary.

The fluids in your car must be checked.

You may have heard this tip a million times, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Check the levels of your brake fluid, clutch fluid, coolant, engine oil, power steering fluid, and windshield washer to help avoid accidents or mechanical breakdowns. Read the owner’s manual to locate the reservoirs.

If it’s almost time for an oil change, do it before your trip.

A long drive can give your engine additional stress. If you think that adding oil by yourself is enough, you are wrong. That’s because doing so will not remove the sludge from the used oil. Note that when you change the engine oil, the oil filter should also be replaced.

The tire pressures should be checked before any long drives.

The amount of pressure your tires should have can be found in the manual and the side of the driver’s door. Bear in mind that the maximum tire pressure shouldn’t be exceeded. Don’t forget to check the pressure of the spare tire as well. Rapid changes in air temperature can affect your tire pressure, so it’s good to check it several times per year.

Check the condition of your tires.

You wouldn’t want to go on a road trip with a worn tire. Make sure you have at least 1.6 millimeters of tread left. If the tread is less than 2.5 millimeters, consider changing your tires before embarking on a long journey as it wears down your tire quickly.

Make sure that the lights and signals are functional.

You may need to call a friend for this. Get inside the car and turn on each light or signal, then ask your friend to check which ones aren’t working. If necessary, replace bulbs. Consider having spare bulbs handy while on a road trip. This is especially important when towing a trailer.

Have your car washed.

Before leaving, have your vehicle washed. For the best visibility, clean the windows and windshield. Check the windshield wipers. Make sure they’re in good condition and replace them if needed.

Don’t forget to bring emergency kits.

If, by now, everything in your car works properly, don’t forget to bring emergency kits and equipment. Bring a repair kit, spare tire, updated map, and a spare phone or battery. Bring first aid kits, flares, and warning triangles as they may come in handy.

Make sure you travel with protection. Check whether your road trip is still covered by your auto insurance – make sure it hasn’t expired yet! If it already is, have it renewed or get covered by a new insurer.

Wellcovered Insurance is an independent insurance agency committed to providing quality insurance products and services to the residents of Florida. One of our specialties is providing auto insurance that is customizable according to the needs of the clients. Get a free quote from us and talk to one of our agents. Give us a call at (386) 218-4951 or email us here.