What to Check in a Car Before a Long Trip?

[JuliannaDella]

Before a long trip, the following items in the car need to be checked: 1. Check the fluids. Vehicle fluids include engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Engine oil is generally replaced according to the vehicle's maintenance mileage, while brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant are typically replaced every 3 years or 60,000 kilometers. Windshield washer fluid can be refilled as needed based on daily usage. 2. Check the vehicle battery. Most vehicles nowadays use maintenance-free batteries, which generally require no attention from the owner. If the vehicle uses a non-maintenance-free battery, there may be certain risks and technical difficulties during inspection, so it is recommended to have it checked at a 4S shop or professional repair station. 3. Check the vehicle tires. As the only part of the vehicle that comes into contact with the ground, tires play a crucial role in driving safety. Inspect the treads of all four tires for excessive or abnormal wear and check the sidewalls for bulges or other issues. If any of the above conditions are present, it is advisable to replace the tires.

[StCameron]

I'm preparing for a long-distance trip, and I usually conduct a thorough vehicle inspection. Tires are the priority—adjust the tire pressure to the standard value, check for bulges or cracks, and don’t forget the spare tire. Then, inspect all fluids: ensure the engine oil level is sufficient, check if the brake fluid and coolant are adequate, and top up the windshield washer fluid—don’t wait until you’re on the highway to realize there’s no water to clean the windshield. Test the entire lighting system, especially the brake lights and turn signals, as nighttime driving relies heavily on them. Finally, check the brakes and battery—see if the brake pedal feels soft, and ensure the battery terminals aren’t loose, as that can cause issues. Bring an emergency toolkit, with a warning triangle and an air pump being essential, so you can feel more at ease.

[StKatherine]

Before long-distance trips, I'm used to conducting checks in sections. For the mechanical parts, I check the engine oil and coolant, ensuring to view the level marks when the car is cold. Tires are especially important; adjust the tire pressure according to the label on the door, and it's dangerous if the tread depth is insufficient. Test the brakes by pressing the pedal several times; it's reassuring if the pedal rebounds quickly after being pressed. For the electrical system, inspect all lights, including fog lights, and take the opportunity to clean the lamp covers. Bring bottled water and biscuits in the car in case of traffic jams, and prepare two phone charging cables. Finally, remind yourself: don't leave the oil cap on the engine—I almost made that mistake last time, so now I always open the hood to double-check before setting off.

[DelJack]

Before hitting the highway, I always perform these essential checks. Open the hood to inspect the oil dipstick, measure coolant and brake fluid levels. Tire inspection is the most thorough, including spare tire pressure and age. Start the car to test all lights, especially hazard lights and brake lights. Replace wiper blades with new rubber strips – poor visibility in rain is too dangerous. Keep an air pump and tow rope in the trunk, and test the jack in advance. Remember to refuel early to avoid long queues at gas stations before entering the highway. With these preparations, long-distance driving becomes much more secure.

[McEvan]

My long-distance driving checklist consists of five parts: First, fluids – engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid are all essential; second, tires – check tire pressure and tread wear, and ensure the spare tire is usable; third, lights and wipers – these are crucial for nighttime driving safety; fourth, inspect brake pad thickness and brake response – safe stopping distances depend on this; finally, carry emergency equipment – keep an air pump, first aid kit, and reflective vest in the trunk. A special reminder: Filling up the tank before departure can save time by avoiding mid-journey queues, a particularly useful tip during holidays.

[StLaila]

Before every self-driving trip, I spend half an hour checking my car. I pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check the oil level. The coolant reservoir needs to be inspected against the marked lines. I use a tire pressure gauge to measure each tire, including the spare, and shine a flashlight on the tire walls to check for cracks. Sitting in the driver's seat, I test all the light switches and the windshield washer function. Special attention is given to the brakes: I press the pedal a few times when the car is cold to listen for sounds, then start the engine to feel the pedal's rebound. Finally, I stash an emergency kit under the front seat with some water and energy bars, so I don't have to worry about getting hungry in traffic jams.