What Should Be Checked in a Car Before a Long Journey?
3 Answers
Before a long journey, the following should be checked in a car: 1. Open the hood to inspect the levels of engine oil, coolant, antifreeze, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. If any level is insufficient, it should be replenished promptly. The most crucial is the engine oil check to ensure sufficient lubrication in the engine. 2. The wear degree of brake pads, which is directly related to the driver's personal safety during the journey. Brake performance should be addressed in time. 3. Check the vehicle's dashboard and lights: including left and right turn signals, high and low beams, brake lights, front and rear fog lights, dashboard lights, and door indicator lights. These serve as the language of communication with others while driving and are directly related to the driver's safety.
Before embarking on a long-distance trip, I need to carefully inspect the key safety points of my car. Checking tire pressure is crucial—use a tire pressure gauge to measure it, with the standard values for front and rear tires marked on the door frame or in the manual. Too high pressure risks a blowout, while too low increases friction, fuel consumption, and accelerates wear. Also, assess tire wear—shallow tread patterns or cracks pose significant risks at high speeds, especially with reduced grip in rainy conditions. Inspect the brake system for pad and disc wear, and ensure brake fluid is at the normal level; failure in emergencies could be disastrous. Test all lights, including headlights, taillights, and turn signals, to ensure clear visibility at night. Seatbelts should buckle smoothly—a basic but life-saving check. Don’t skip inspecting the spare tire’s pressure, tools, and ensuring the jack is functional. Experience tells me that skipping these steps risks blowouts or accidents, delaying the journey and threatening safety. Maintaining good car condition ensures peace of mind for long trips, covering hundreds of miles confidently. When driving with family, I prioritize preparing a day in advance to avoid last-minute chaos and delays.
Before long trips, to save time and money, I usually check the parts that affect performance and expenses. Check the engine oil level and color—if it's low or sticky, replace it to avoid rapid wear and expensive repairs. Insufficient or expired coolant can cause engine overheating in hot weather, leading to breakdowns and costly repairs. Adjust tire pressure according to load to extend lifespan and reduce fuel consumption, saving a lot per 100 kilometers. Replace a dirty air filter to help the engine breathe smoothly and save fuel. Replace worn-out wiper rubber to avoid poor visibility in rain, which could delay your trip. Keep drinks, snacks, and a power bank in the car to prevent hunger and phone battery drain, which could affect navigation. Fill up the fuel tank to avoid searching for expensive gas stations mid-trip, wasting time and money. These quick checks are simple and can be done yourself to avoid extra costs like towing or rescue services, which can cost hundreds. Make it a habit to spend ten minutes checking before every long trip to ensure a smooth, economical, and efficient journey.
