6 Car Checks You Must Make Before Hitting the Road On a Long Journey

From Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara to Dil Chahta Hai and Due Date, movies offer serious road trip goals to all of us.

However, movies fail to tell you the preparations required to make your road trip a success. Preparing your car for a long journey will not just ensure a smooth travel, but also help you avoid any hiccups along the way. So, we bring you the top 6 car checks you need to make before leaving your driveway.

Tyres: When you decide to hit the road, the only thing that actually hits it is your car tyres so make sure it’s trip ready. You need to check three things before you set off – tyre pressure, tread depth and if there are any kinds of damages. It is recommended to maintain a minimum tread of 3 mm. You can measure this by sticking a one-rupee coin in the tread and measuring how deep it goes. You can also find the right tyre and loading information on the car’s door frame. Wrong tyre pressure can affect the steering and braking. Also think about the extra luggage, people sitting in the car and the temperature outside when you check the pressure.

Fuel: Always start your road trip with a full tank. Also, long journeys mean coming across long stretches of road without petrol pumps so remember to refill the tank when it’s half rather than waiting till it runs down to near empty. If you’re travelling through large towns, only buy fuel from company-owned fuel stations.

Engine: Check the oil levels to avoid engine failure during your trip. Your engine oil will keep the engine well-lubricated for efficient driving. Ensure the engine oil is at the recommended level and always use the right type of oil as per your vehicle type. You can measure the oil level using the dipstick that you can find on the side of the engine. If you overfill the engine oil, it can damage the engine and also cause extra emissions. Remember to keep your battery terminals secure, clean and greased. Greasing prevents the terminals from corrosion.

Coolant: Your engine coolant is a mixture of water and anti-freeze which prevents the engine from overheating. Remember to check the coolant levels frequently, especially if you are planning a long trip during summers. The coolant reservoir has the minimum and maximum limits marked.

Map: If you’re taking a trip to a far-off destination, it helps to plan your route and itinerary in advance. GPS devices assist in better road navigation and also offer alternate routes in case of heavy traffic on common roads. This is extremely helpful if you want to make it in good time. It might also help to carry a paper map if you lose network on the way.

Documentation: Your car’s registration papers, car insurance documents and most importantly your driver’s licence should be with you at all times. Make sure that you renew all documents timely in case you get pulled over for any reason. A lack of these documents can get you a hefty fine and if you meet with an unfortunate accident, they will surely come in handy.