8 Items To Check On Your Car Before A Trip

Ensuring your road trip is enjoyable and that you arrive safely, making sure your vehicle is in good condition is essential. This inspection checklist will help you know what items should be inspected before loading up the car for a long journey.

Motor Oil And Fluids

This is an essential item to check. If the motor oil level is low, add more oil before traveling. The same goes with fluids such as windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze. If it looks dirty or needs replacing, it might be time to top up the fluids.

Tires

Inspect your tires for air pressure. It would help if you had a tire gauge to check this, and it is recommended that you keep one in the glove box and an extra set of keys. If they are below the minimum required pressure or getting low, add some air until you have the correct pressure. The car’s weight decreases as fuel is burned off, so make sure to compensate by adjusting the tire pressures accordingly before hitting the open road! This simple task can prevent dangerous blowouts from occurring on highways where speeds reach 80 miles per hour or more. You can also use your hands to feel the all-around tire surface for cuts, bubbles, or nails. Make sure to wear a durable glove, as sensitive parts of the tire can cut your hands.

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Spare Tire & Tools

A car is useless without a spare tire and tools. If your car needs one or both of these, you need to install them before the trip. Do not rely on any other driver providing help if you get a flat tire, as they might leave you behind. It is essential to know how to change a tire, and it’s never too late to learn.

Windshield Wipers

You should check your windshield wipers before traveling on a wet road. The main reason is that the raindrops may form streaks or smears when they run over your window, particularly if there are contaminants like dead insects and tree sap. In addition, a dirty windshield can produce problems with visibility, especially during night driving involving fogged up windows caused by heat build-ups inside the car.

Cigarette Lighter Socket

Make sure that your cigarette lighter socket works to charge your phone or devices. It is essential always to have a mobile phone ready when on the road. Should you have an emergency, you need to call 911. And in case of a vehicle accident, it is always essential to reach knowledgeable car accident lawyers to protect you against any legal risks. 

All Lights And Indicators

Headlights are helpful in low light or poor weather conditions. They allow you to see further ahead of your vehicle, improving safety and visibility for other vehicles on the road.

Indicators allow other drivers to anticipate your actions, improving safety for everyone on the road. If you have a faulty indicator or fog light, it could put yourself and others in danger.

Brake lights alert other drivers of your intentions to slow down or stop, increasing safety on the road. If you have any brake lights out, you will need to replace them as soon as possible so that they are working correctly and helping protect yourself and others from accidents occurring due to faulty equipment.

Reverse lights are essential if you’re parking in an area that does not have any street lighting. They also allow other drivers to see the back of your vehicle when it is parked, making sure they can anticipate your future actions.

Emergency lights are not only good for trucks transporting goods, but they’re also crucial if you find yourself in an emergency. For example, if your vehicle is broken down on the side of the road and needs to be towed away, it’s always a good idea to have these lights flashing so that other drivers can see both you and what is happening with your car.

Fog lights help reduce glare from fog, improving visibility for drivers during low light conditions such as fog. However, if these lights are not working correctly, they can put yourself and other drivers in danger.

Emergency Kit

A car emergency kit is vital if you are stranded on the road or if your vehicle breaks down. It should include items such as a first-aid kit to stop any bleeding from minor injuries, flares for warning other drivers of an obstruction on the road ahead, and jumper cables to help start up your car when it is broken down. And you should always have water and non-perishable food items to keep yourself hydrated and fed until help arrives.

Seatbelts

Test your seat belt regularly before traveling on a long trip. If your seat belts don’t work, you won’t be protected in the event of an accident and could face severe injuries or even death. You can quickly test your seatbelts by rapidly pulling on them and seeing if they lock under tension.

Checking these items will give you peace of mind on the road so that you can relax and safely arrive at your destination.