If you’ve got a long-distance road trip coming up, you want to make sure that your car is in optimum shape. Taking the time to prepare your car for a long journey will ensure that it’s ready for all of the stops, starts, and unexpected bumps in the road that may arise. Here are some tips from an experienced mobile mechanic to get your vehicle ready for an extended road trip :
Check your tyres
One of the most important parts of preparing your car for a long trip is making sure that you have enough tread on your tyres and that the tyre pressure is correct. Make sure all four tires are at the correct pressure—you can find out what this should be by looking at the label inside of your driver’s side door or in your owner’s manual. It’s also important to check your tyres’ tread wear; if they look worn down, they may need replacing before you hit the road.
Check oil & fluids
To avoid having to call your mobile mechanic or roadside assistance midway into your road trip, make sure to check your car’s oil before embarking and replacing if needed. This will help keep your car running smoothly and efficiently so that it doesn’t overheat or break down on you while driving. It’s also important to top off all other fluids such as brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, coolant and windshield washer fluid. Make sure these are all at their optimal levels before taking off on any extended trips.
Check lights, wipers & belts
It’s also important to check that all lights on your car are working properly (headlights, brake lights, turn signals). You should also inspect all belts (including the timing belt) for signs of wear and tear or cracks. These should be replaced if necessary before embarking on any long journeys as belts can break or snap when under too much stress from the engine running over long distances. Likewise, make sure that the wiper blades aren’t worn down or cracked so that they will work effectively when needed during rainy days or storms.
Visit your Gold Coast mechanic for a safety check
To ensure all the above points are definitely covered, it’s worth booking your vehicle in with your local mechanic who can perform a detailed safety check. It is also important to ensure your vehicle is up to date with all servicing before taking a long trip to ensure there aren’t any underlying mechanical issues that will become apparent while on your trip.
Taking care of routine maintenance before leaving on a long road trip can save you a lot of headache later on down the line—not to mention money. Prevent having to call a mobile mechanic by following these tips to ensure your car is prepared for whatever comes its way during an extended journey.
To book your car in with our Gold Coast mechanics, be sure to contact our team today.