Imagine you’re planning a cross-country road trip. You’ve got your route mapped out, your hotels booked, and you’re ready to hit the open road. But there’s one crucial step you can’t forget: a pre-trip car inspection.
A pre-trip car inspection is a vital part of any road trip, no matter how short or how long. This is because it allows you to identify and fix any potential issues with your vehicle before they become bigger, more expensive problems down the line. Trust us, you don’t want to be stranded on the side of the highway in the middle of nowhere with a broken-down car. So before you start your journey, be sure to do a thorough pre-trip inspection of your vehicle. Here’s what you need to check:
Tires
One of the most important parts of your car to inspect before a road trip is the tires. Tires are crucial for both safety and fuel economy, so it’s important to make sure they’re in good condition before hitting the open road.
To check your tires, start by taking a close look at the tread. If the tread is worn down, it’s time for new tires. Additionally, check for any nails or other objects that may be embedded in the tire; if you find anything, be sure to get it fixed as soon as possible. Once you’ve checked the tread and sidewalls, take a look at the air pressure. Most tires have an ideal air pressure listed on the sidewall; if yours is significantly lower than that number, add air until it reaches the recommended level.
Oil Level & Condition
Another important thing to check before setting out on a road trip is your oil level and condition. To check your oil level, simply remove the dipstick from the oil tank and wipe it off with a clean rag; then reinsert it and check to see where the oil level falls on the stick. If it’s below the “full” line, top off your oil tank before hitting the road. It’s also important to check the condition of your oil-if it’s dark or gritty, it needs to be changed.
Water Level & Condition
In addition to checking your oil level and condition, you should also take a look at your water level and condition before setting out on a long journey. To do this, locate the coolant reservoir under your hood and unscrew the cap; then check to see where the coolant level falls on the side of the reservoir. If it’s low, add more water until it reaches the “full” line. You should also give the coolant a quick sniff-if it smells sweet or rancid, it needs to be replaced immediately.
Lights & Wipers
It’s also important to check all of your lights-headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals-before setting out on a road trip.” burnt out bulbs should be replaced as soon as possible; otherwise, you run the risk of getting pulled over or being involved in an accident. You should also inspect your windshield wipers and replace them if they’re cracked or torn; otherwise, you’ll have trouble seeing during bad weather conditions.
Car Battery
Before embarking on a long journey, it’s also wise to test your car battery with a voltmeter (most auto parts stores will do this for free). A healthy battery should read between 12 and 14 volts; anything below 12 volts indicates that your battery needs to be replaced before taking another long car trip.
As you can see, there are many different things that need to be inspected before taking a long car trip. By following this checklist, you can help ensure that your vehicle is in good working order before hitting the open road. And while some of these items may seem like common sense, they could save you from being stranded on the side ofthe highway in case of an emergency. So don’t forget to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle before embarking on your next adventure! Safe travels!
