So, the cool winds are blowing and we finally have a respite from the hot and humid days of August and September, and the smell of adventure is in the air again. Your reservations are made and your bags packed, the open road beckons. But before you set off, make sure you don’t forget to take care of your most important companion - your car.
Your vehicle is always a key contributor to the safety and enjoyment of your journeys. Preparing your car for a road trip in advance ensures that you go the distance as planned.
Here are seven tips to get your car ready for a road trip.
1. Inspect Your Car Tyres
Since this is an Apollo Tyres blog, of course we are gonna start with tyres. Inspecting your tyres for tread wear, chips, cuts, bulges, and any other anomalies is the first thing to do when going on an extended journey.
Make sure your car tyres have enough tread to grip the road, especially in the challenging road and weather conditions you expect to face during the trip. The minimum legal tread depth in most countries is 1.6mm but it’s always better to have more than bare minimum.
Getting a tread depth gauge can save you the hassle of measuring tread depth using coins and other dubious methods. It’s a relatively inexpensive but handy tool to have in your car care kit.
Check the tyre pressure before you start. Tyre pressure can fluctuate with temperature changes, so check it at least once a month, and compulsorily before any long road trip.
2. Go for Wheel Balance and Alignment
If you notice uneven wear on your tyres, or it’s been a while since you got the vehicle checked for wheel balance and alignment, that time is now. Given that you will be carrying more load and will be driving a considerable distance at speed, the smallest of imbalances can become a major issue.
Also, rotating your tyres every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers prevents premature wear and tear. Getting the tyres balanced and rotated will help you drive easier and safer.
3. Carry a Med Kit
If you are still driving around with the basic med kit that came with the car, it’s time for an overhaul. Stock it with essential wound care supplies like Dettol, Betadine, and bandages. Add general medications like antibiotics, anti-allergy drugs (e.g., Paracetamol, Citragen), and pain relievers. If any passengers have chronic health conditions, include their necessary medications in a separate compartment, like the glove box, for emergencies.
4. Carry a Roadside Maintenance Kit
Despite the levels of connectivity we get nowadays, sometimes you may find yourself stranded on the road. Thus, carrying a few bits of essential equipment is always a good idea.
Here are the things to include:
Spare power bank or battery for your phone
Pliers and screwdrivers compatible with your car
An adjustable spanner
Tyre pressure monitoring gauge
A puncture repair kit
A functional spare tyre
Jack and lug wrench kit
Warning triangles
5. Learn to Change a Flat Tyre
Just in case you are new to vehicle ownership, it would be a good idea to go through some tutorial videos about changing tyres. Because despite being a fairly easy exercise, it does require a certain level of technical expertise, like where to park, how to place the jack and remove the wheel bolts etc. Knowing this beforehand can save you from trying to learn it on the spot (where you may even struggle with network connectivity).
6. Perform a Battery Check
Give your battery a shake-up before the trip to ensure the vehicle's starting system is functional and avoid a potentially frustrating and costly roadside breakdown. This involves visually inspecting the battery terminals for corrosion and ensuring the cables are securely connected.
A simple test using a voltmeter or a battery tester can confirm adequate charge levels, preempting a roadside battery failure and ensuring a smooth journey. These tools are easily available at car service shops.
7. Wash the Car
There's a psychological element to a clean car and a feeling of preparedness for the road ahead. A thorough car wash before a trip can significantly enhance the driving experience.
But washing the car also ensures visibility is maximized by cleaning the windshield, windows, rear glass, and mirrors. And, this process is also an excellent opportunity to inspect the wiper blades for any signs of wear or damage, ensuring they will function effectively during the trip.
Go the Distance
Once you are through all these steps, it’s time to go the distance. Stack in your luggage, pick up your family and friends, and be on the way to a great adventure. Always remember to drive safely, follow the road signs, and take breaks when on the road.