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The Most Important Vehicle Checks to Make Before a Long Drive

If you are planning on a long drive, it is important that you carry out a few checks to ensure that your vehicle is in good condition. Whether this is a road trip, business travel, a long round trip, or simply visiting a different part of the country, you need to know that your car will be up to the challenge. What constitutes a long drive is subjective, but if it is over 40 miles, then it is always smart to check the vehicle over.

Tires

The car tires are one of the most important aspects to check as they will be put under great strain, especially if the car is loaded up. You should make sure that they are inflated to the correct pressure, that there are no signs of damage and that you have at least 3mm of tread depth (1.6mm is the legal limit). Additionally, you should have a spare in the boot in case you need to make a change. If you need to replace your tires, you can purchase car tires online and change them before you set off.

Fluid Levels

You also need to check the various fluid levels and top these up if needed as these are top critical performance, and a long drive could consume a lot of each type of fluid. This includes the coolant level, oil level, screen wash, and fuel level. 

VW Bug
Image by jotoya from Pixabay

Lights

You will also need to check that all of your lights are working properly before setting off both for safety and legal reasons. Check that your headlights, indicators, and brake lights are all working in advance of setting off so that you have enough time to replace bulbs/get repairs carried out if needed.

Washing & Cleaning

If you are going to be spending a few hours in the car, you do not want to be sat in one that is dirty both inside and out. This is why it is a good idea to wash the exterior, throw out anything that you don’t need, and clean the interior. This will make it a much nicer and more comfortable place to be for both you and passengers.

Insurance

You also need to make sure that you have sufficient insurance in place in case you encounter any issues on your trip. Obviously, you need to have car insurance in place, but you should also look into optional coverage, including both an extended warranty and GAP insurance. In addition to coverage, this will also help by providing peace of mind.

Before setting off on a journey of 40+ miles, you always need to make sure that your car is ready and in good condition so that it will not let you down. These are the main checks that you need to do, which will ensure that your car is ready.

Featured Image by Vladan Rajkovic from Pixabay