Here's How To Get Your Car Road Trip Ready

Usually, when we think about preparing for an epic road trip, the first few things that come to mind are the destination, the route, what we are going to pack, and what our itinerary is going to be. Irrespective of the road trip destination, our vehicle is one of the silent companions who takes us safely from our home to our destination and back.

Now, a road trip is fun as long as our vehicle stays silent! A noisy vehicle usually is the sign of an upcoming breakdown which can ruin a perfect road trip! To avoid such a scenario, here's a list of vehicle checks you must do before embarking on a cross-country road trip.

Get Your Vehicle Serviced

A week prior to your departure, get your vehicle thoroughly checked by a mechanic. Additionally, check the vehicle owner's manual to see which parts are recommended to be replaced as per the kilometres clocked. Usually, a mechanic checks only the main parts during a general service. On a road trip, a vehicle will be put through additional stress since there will be a lot more kilometres covered and a lot more occupants/luggage to lug around. Hence, it is vital that all the bits of the vehicle are checked for issues.

• Engine Oil & Oil Filter: Check when these were replaced and if you don't remember then get these replaced right away. The engine oil lubricates the moving parts thereby reducing friction and improving performance. Driving with a low engine oil level or high build-up of sludge will cause irreparable engine damage. An oil filter helps remove dirt and grime from the oil and must be replaced whenever fresh oil is filled.

• Belts And Hoses: These vehicle bits are usually inspected only when the vehicle has covered a lot of miles or is at least a couple of years old. Depending on the usage, the vehicle belts and hoses could develop cracks leading to a breakdown. Usually, such parts aren't in store at all dealerships and sourcing them could be difficult especially if your vehicle breaks down in a small town. Hence, get them checked for any signs of cracks or leakage and get them replaced if needed.

• Air Filter: It prevents dirt, dust, and sand from getting into the engine. This must be replaced as per the manufacturer's recommended interval. It is a good practice to get the air filter cleaned regularly especially if you regularly drive in dusty conditions.
• Suspension And Brakes: Get the suspension thoroughly checked and replace any worn-out parts. A perfectly tuned suspension will improve the vehicle’s handling, braking, and ride quality. Get the brake pads and brake discs checked. Do replace them if there are signs of excessive wear and tear.

Also Read: Hyundai Exter (Small SUV) - Expected Petrol Engine Specs

Note: Check your Car EMI with our - Car Loan EMI Calculator

Get The Tyres Checked, Aligned And Balanced

Tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. Hence, it is vital to ensure that your vehicle is running on a perfect set of tyres! The first thing that you get checked is if your tyres have adequate tread, there are no signs of uneven wear, the sidewalls aren't damaged, and there are no big cracks. However, if your tyres have less than adequate tread and are showing signs of damage then get them replaced immediately.

Fault tyres can lead to a blowout while driving at highway speeds leading to an accident. Hence, always ensure that your vehicle tyres are in perfect condition. Also, get the air pressure checked and maintain them as per the manufacturer's recommended intervals.

If your vehicle is pulling to one side while driving on a straight road then it means that the wheels are out of alignment. Proper wheel alignment ensures a comfortable ride quality, reduces driving fatigue, ensures good grip from the tyres, and extends tyre life. An improper wheel alignment will accelerate tyre wear and reduce the grip generated by the tyre.

Additionally, get the wheels balanced. Wheel balancing ensures that the tyres rotate correctly, don't vibrate excessively, and runs smoothly. Also, don't forget to get the spare wheel checked and learn how to change a tyre. This will be very helpful in case a tyre goes flat!

Get The Vehicle Fluids Checked

Apart from the engine oil, a vehicle needs plenty of other fluids to ensure it performs optimally. These fluids also need to be replaced as per the manufacturer's recommended intervals. However, depending on the driving conditions some fluids might need to be replaced earlier. Hence, get these checked before going on a road trip to avoid any nasty surprises.

• Coolant: It keeps the engine running at optimal temperature and prevents it from overheating.
• Brake Fluid: It plays a key role in the vehicle's braking system by amplifying the braking force. It keeps the braking system lubricated and prevents the hydraulic systems from overheating.
• Power Steering Fluid: It lubricates the various power steering components like valves, pistons, hoses, and pumps. Also, it helps amplify pressure to make turning the steering vehicle's steering wheel an easy affair.
• Transmission Fluid: It lubricates various moving parts of the transmission and ensures a smooth operation. It keeps the system operating at an ideal temperature and prevents overheating.

Keep Your Car Documents Ready

On a cross-country road trip, there’s a possibility of being pulled over by the authorities for a documents check. In fact, there are border checkposts across state and national highways that routinely stop passing vehicles to check the vehicle documents.

So, check if all the vehicle documents, such as PUC and Insurance are valid. It is advisable to keep your important documents such as vehicle RC, Drivers License, PUC, and Insurance in a single folder if you intend or carry them physically or in the DigiLocker or Parivahan app.

Be Prepared For Emergencies

There's always a possibility of getting stuck in unprecedented traffic congestion that might take ages to clear up. In such times, you will need supplies to keep you going. Hence, stack up your car with adequate water and snacks that will keep you in a good mood. Also, keep a set of pillows that will let one stay comfortable on the move and also when there's no movement happening!

Invest in tools such as portable car chargers, power banks and a tyre inflator. In today's times it's impossible to stay away from mobile devices and we need to keep them charged even on the go. A tyre inflator will come in handy if your tyre goes flat in a remote area. You can use it to inflate the tyre and drive to the nearest repair shop. Make a list of service stations along the way so that in case of any vehicle issue, you will know the nearest place to go to.

Additionally, keep a first aid kit or medicine box which has essentials like bandages and medicines for common infections.

On any road trip, there will be times when things might not go as per the plan! Hence, one must not forget that the purpose of a road trip isn’t to focus or get bothered about the potholes on the road. Instead, it’s to enjoy the journey! So, keep your eyes on the road, enjoy the fresh air, relish fresh local food, and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Note: Check your car’s fuel cost with Fuel Cost Calculator in India