10 things to check before a long trip

For many of us, a car is the most comfortable solution on a long journey. At any time, you can stop and kick your bones, eat something nutritious at a roadside inn, or take a spontaneous tour of a city you encounter along the way. However, there are a few things to watch out for in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. What exactly? You will learn from our post.

Shortly speaking

Are you going to travel by car for a long time? Then you need to check a few things - headlights, wipers, brakes, fluid levels, tires, suspension, battery, cooling system, and injectors if you have a new generation car. Also check the speed limits in the country you are going to and the necessary equipment for the vehicle. Update GPS navigation, check correct OC and technical review. And go! Enjoy a safe and fun ride.

Here's a list of things to check before you hit the road!

It is worth doing at least a vehicle inspection. two weeks before the planned trip. Thanks to this, you can deal with possible malfunctions without stress, even if it becomes necessary to bring parts.

Hamulce

If you have a long way to go, be sure to check condition of brake pads and discs... If they are worn out, thinned or unevenly worn, immediately replace the component on both wheels of the same axle. Check additionally hoses, after all, brake fluid can leak out even through microdamages, and without it the brakes will not work.

Working fluids + wipers

Not only brake fluid, but also other working fluids such as engine oil and coolant they should be replenished if missing or replaced with new ones when they are already badly worn out. Failure to do so could result in malfunctioning of the relevant systems, which could jeopardize your safety. Washer fluid and the condition of the wiper blades are also noteworthy. If they are out of order or your windshield washer fluid is running out, deal with these knick-knacks, as they greatly affect the visibility and safety of the trip. And, if you fail to meet either of these two aspects, you run the risk of being fined or even retaining your registration certificate.

Cooling system

The cooling system has a decisive influence on driving comfort and vehicle reliability. If not in working order, in summer on a longer route engine reaches dangerously high temperatureswhich could seriously damage it.

Suspension

Shock absorbers, springs, rods and rocker arms these are elements of the car's suspension, without which driving a car would be not only inconvenient, but also impossible. Worn shock absorbers increase braking distance by 35%and by forcing the wheels to exert 25% more pressure on the asphalt, they shorten the life of the tires. In addition, on a wet road, the probability of a car skidding is 15% higher. If you need to replace a shock absorber, immediately replace both shock absorbers on the corresponding axle.

Tires

Another aspect that can affect your safety is the condition of your tires. The tread depth that allows tires to run is 1,6mm but 2-3mm is recommended... You can easily check this with a dedicated meter or mechanic. If the tread is below the minimum value, there is a risk of aquaplaning, which separates the road from the tire with a layer of water. As a result, the braking distance increases, the traction decreases and the car stalls. In addition, even minor side damage precludes tire use. Do not forget to also check before the trip. tire pressure, also in spare, and load them according to the manufacturer's instructions. You will find up-to-date information in the vehicle owner's manual, on the fuel filler flap or on a sticker on the driver's door... Always measure the wheels when the wheels are cold, for example with a tool available at a gas station. By taking all these measures, you will prevent 22% braking lag and save up to 3% fuel per year, because the wheels in good condition will be easier to move on the asphalt.

lighting

Also check that the lights are working properly - high beam, low beam, fog lights, reversing light, emergency light, license plate light, interior and side lights, as well as turn signals, fog lights and brake lights. Road package set of bulbs and fuses... Remember that even numbered bulbs should glow evenly, so replace bulbs in pairs.

Electrician

You can't go anywhere without a good battery. Make sure it is not frayed or discharged too quickly or needs to be recharged. If there are squeaks from under the mask, you suspect that the drive belt is already in need of replacement. This element drives the generator, which means it allows you to charge the battery while driving.

Injections

Before leaving the production line, modern cars are equipped with injectors. In case of clogging or damage fuel will not be supplied properly and it may be difficult to accelerate or even start the machine.

Information, documents ...

Now that you have checked the most important components, there are a few parts to check that do not require the intervention of a mechanic.

Validity of documents - technical inspection and liability insurance

Documents such as technical inspection and liability insurance, cannot expire until the end of the journey. Therefore, before you go on a tour, specify when you need to go through the necessary formalities, and, if necessary, make an appointment in advance with the service and the insurer. If you have a car accident during your vacation, you will save yourself a lot of hassle.

Traffic regulations in other countries

Are you traveling abroad by car? Find out about the regulations in your country and the countries you are driving on. Especially speed limits and mandatory equipment. For example, a reflective vest is mandatory, including in the Czech Republic, Croatia, Austria, Norway and Hungary. Even if you use GPS navigation, study the route - which countries you will be passing through, where there are gas stations and toll roads, and if necessary, buy a vignette.

What should be included in the vehicle package?

So that the vacation trip does not bother you too much, update gps navigation and search the forums for your car model for the most frequent breakdowns... Perhaps a small item will get damaged along the way and you can fix it yourself if you take the parts with you carefully. Pack the rope tow truck, rope and straightener, diesel fuel supply, which may need to be replenished after 1000 km. And, of course, don't forget the first aid kit.

And How? Excited about your upcoming trip? If preparations are in full swing and you are looking for some parts, fluids or a box for your car's roof, take a look at avtotachki.com. You can find everything your car needs at prices that will not spoil your holiday.

Check out our other travel articles as well:

What do you need to have in the car on a long journey?

Thule roof box review - which one to choose?

Safe driving on motorways - what rules to remember?