If you are scheduling a getaway road trip for the new year, nobody could blame you! 2020 has been a difficult year, and everybody wants to take a break and simply break free of the craziness that went down this year. A road trip can clear your head; it allows you to experience new places, new cultures and meet new friends. Plus, driving across stunning landscapes with great music and your best pal by your side never made anybody’s life worse. Well, unless you’re Thelma and Louise. Gulp.
If you are planning a road trip, you might have already started thinking about your car. Will your car be okay travelling all those miles? Will you experience a breakdown and have to call for help? Do you have enough knowledge to fix any minor issues yourself? Don’t let these thoughts make you stressed; instead, read this helpful guide on how to prepare your car for the road trip of a lifetime!
- Focus on your tyres
Your car’s tyres are a high priority when it comes to driving long distances. Your tyres are your car’s connection with the earth beneath it; if they are not up to standard, this could lead to skidding, getting a flat tyre, or even getting stuck in rough terrain. Making sure your tyres are prepared for hundreds of miles of road, plus any and all weather conditions, is crucial.
How do you prepare your tyres for a road trip? If you have not recently replaced your tyres, now is your chance. Make sure to consult a tyre services professional who can advise you on the type of tyre that is best for your car’s model and size and the type of terrain you’ll be tackling on your trip.
- Get your engine checked
Even if your engine is fine – there are no lights blinking on your dashboard, and everything seems to be running smoothly – it is worth getting a auto body shop professional to give your car’s vitals a once-over. If there are any minor issues, these could turn into major issues when you are a few hundred miles into your trip, and once you are on the road these will be harder, and more expensive, to fix. Ensure you have ironed out any minor problems with your engine including replacing the oil checking the coolant.
- Prepare your backup plan
In addition to having your car looked at before the trip, you should take equipment on your trip that will help your car if it runs into problems. These include a spare tyre, a basic toolbox and all your insurance information too. Additionally, you should make sure you have the up-to-date contact details of your breakdown provider, so that in an emergency you know who to call without hesitation. It is unlikely that this situation will arise, but if it does, you’ll be thankful you did this thorough preparation!
Overall, taking a road trip sounds like the perfect way to kickstart 2021. Use this guide to prepare your car, and have fun driving off into the sunset!