Are you planning to make a trip soon? Before doing this, you need to check the car to make sure it is in good condition and running regularly. That's how.
Steps
Step 1. Check the fluids
Checking the oil, coolant and brake oil levels can help avoid a preventable accident or breakdown.
Step 2. Check the air pressure
This should be printed in the car manual or attached with a sticker to the driver's door pillar. The pressure indicated on the side of the tire is the maximum that must not be exceeded. Also, don't forget to check the spare tire pressure. Often neglect can turn a bad time into a worse one.
Step 3. If it's almost time to change the oil, do it before you leave
A long journey can put additional stress on the engine. Also, do not think that adding extra oil works like an oil change, because the waste oil used is not eliminated. You may not notice this if you constantly add oil which can make it look clean.
Step 4. Check tire wear using a dime or tread gauge
Tires get hot on long journeys and can burst if worn.
Step 5. Check the air filter
An abundant supply of clean air to the engine improves performance.
Step 6. Wash the car
At a minimum, clean the windows for better visibility.
Step 7. Verify that all lights and signs are functional
For this you will need the help of another person. Sit in the car, turn on any lights or signs and ask your friend to tell you if it works or not. Replace bulbs as needed. Note: Occasionally, lights and signals may fail because a fuse needs to be replaced.
Step 8. Make sure you have all the emergency equipment on board, and that everything is working properly
Emergency equipment includes an updated map, mobile phone, spare tire and emergency equipment. Although usually absent, flares, torches, health kits and fire extinguishers can be useful in worst-case scenarios.
Advice
- You can find several shops for oil changes that can do the service at (almost) reasonable costs.
- Eliminate waste and unnecessary "junk" from the car. Nothing ruins a trip more than the stale smell of french fries that has fallen under the seat.
