With the onset of summer vacations in India, many families plan to embark upon road trips. But before jetting off for a road trip it is important to check if your car is in a perfect running condition, in order to prevent it from breaking down in unwanted places where little or no help comes your way.
Here’s a list of things you need to check in your car before cranking up the engine and hitting the road for your favourite holiday destination.
Examine the battery
Battery is one of the most critical components of a car as it powers all electrical components but more importantly it helps in starting the engine. A dead battery would mean getting stuck on the side of a road for a significant duration. To avoid this, one should check the level of distilled water in the battery before you set off on a journey.
Be mindful that the average life of a good battery is around 5-7 years. Anything beyond this, it is advisable to replace the battery. It is also recommended to get your battery checked by an expert once in a while if it has crossed three years.
Clean/change air filters
Another common breakdown happens due to clogging of air filters. Dirty and soiled air filters prevent the air from reaching the combustion chamber of the engine resulting in higher fuel consumption and eventual engine breakdown. A faulty air filter can also lead to malfunctioning of the air conditioning system. Clean the air filter with a high-power vacuum cleaner if possible or change the air filter altogether.
Fill the fuel tank
It is common sense that before setting off for a long trip, it is advisable to fill the tank to the brim. If fuel levels drop to half of the tank, you should refuel at the next gas station. If your journey is set to encounter long stretches of remote areas, it is also advisable to carry extra fuel in a fire-proof jerry can.
Top up all fluids
A car runs on several fluids including engine oil, engine coolant, brake oil, transmission fluid, radiator coolant, windshield fluid, and power steering fluid. Before you set off on your road trip, visit your local garage to check if all these fluids are at optimum levels.
Check brake pads
Another critical component of a vehicle are brakes since they are the primary safety feature. Therefore, whenever you plan a road trip it is a good practice to check all the brake pads on four wheels. Get the brake pads checked by professionals and replace them if they are worn out.
Check tyres
Make sure that all four tyres and even the one on the spare wheel(s) have optimum air pressure. To know the exact pressure level required on each tyre, refer to the owner’s manual provided by the carmaker. Wrong air pressure can also cause your tyres to wear unevenly, which shortens their lifespan and in worst case scenarios may also lead to blowouts.
