Preparing for a long journey - maintenance for your car.
In the current financial climate, more people may well decide they have to give their foreign holiday a miss this year and take advantage of the many tourist destinations around the British Isles. What this may mean though is that there’s a good chance that you’ll be driving a long distance and for many drivers who only ever drive short distances to the shops or commute to work the sudden increase in use will be a bit of a shock and can really test your car. That is why it’s important to ensure that you give your car the once over before hitting the road to make sure it’s up to the task.
First of all the part of your car that will take the most punishment on a long haul trip are the tyres. Check that all tyres are inflated to recommended levels as well as your spare as you never know if you’ll need it. Also make sure to check they’re properly inflated and that they all have a sufficient level of tread and no obvious cuts or marks that could lead to a puncture.
Next are the fluid levels. Your engine will likely be running for a long time, maybe in the heat (should we actually have a nice summer!) so make sure you have topped up your engine oil, coolants and water levels. Manny breakdowns in the summer are caused by the engine overheating so make sure you don’t fall for that trap! It’s advisable to top up washer fluid as well to make sure you can clear any problems with visibility.
Check that all your lights work correctly and replace any worn out bulbs. This can be checked by getting a person to stand at the front and rear of your car whilst you activate each one. You can also test brake lights by backing close to a wall or a garage door and looking for the reflection when you press the brake pedal.
If you’re using a roof rack or a storage box, even a bike rack, make sure that whatever items you’re carrying are within recommended weight limits. Also remember that any added weight will affect your car’s handling, specifically the steering and braking. Always check that bikes are securely attached to your car as you don’t want to risk anything coming adrift while travelling.
One tip that relates not to your car but you, the driver, is that you should take regular breaks and if driving with someone else perhaps drive in shifts. Tiredness, especially when driving at night can be a killer so make sure you take regular stops so you can get a cup of coffee or even just to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.
Driving instead of flying for your holidays can save you a considerable amount of money and taking the time to drive through the countryside can actually lighten the burden of driving cross-country. So if you’re planning on taking a holiday then make sure you do all necessary checks before you leave to ensure you arrive safely.
Related topics include guaranteed car finance, yes car and used cars
