What to Check in Your Car Before a Long-Distance Trip?
3 Answers
The stability and safety of the car are the most important conditions for a long-distance trip. Before setting off, you need to check five key aspects: 1. Check all the fluids in the car: The main purpose is to verify the remaining levels of all fluids. Each fluid reservoir is marked with minimum and maximum limits, and the fluid level should always be between these two marks. Even if the fluid is at the minimum level, it should not be topped up immediately; only when it falls below the minimum limit should you add more. 2. Inspect the tires and brakes: For tires, check two aspects—tire pressure and tread wear. Tire pressure should be checked according to the manufacturer's recommended standards. To assess tread wear, look for bulges or scratches on both the inner and outer sides. 3. Check all the lights on the car: Ensure all lights are functioning properly. Driving at night or in the evening is often unavoidable during long trips, so good lighting is a prerequisite for safe driving. Since high beams and low beams are used most frequently, prioritize checking these two lights. Additionally, brake lights can effectively prevent rear-end collisions, so they should also be thoroughly inspected. 4. Battery inspection: If your car is less than two years old, the battery typically doesn’t need inspection. However, for cars older than two years, regular checks are recommended, especially before a long trip. Most car batteries have a lifespan of 2 to 6 years. 5. Examine the car’s chassis: Focus on two main areas—whether the engine and transmission are leaking oil, and whether each ball joint and CV boot is cracked or leaking, as well as checking for leaks in the brake lines and brake slave cylinder. Additionally, inspect the chassis for any bumps or damage, check if the tie rods are deformed, if the ball joints are loose, and if the rubber boots are aged or detached.
Before driving long distances, I always prioritize checking key safety components. Tire pressure must be adjusted according to the vehicle manual—too high or too low affects handling and may even cause a blowout; don’t overlook tire wear either, deep cracks mean it’s time for a replacement. The braking system is the top priority: press the pedal to check firmness—slow response indicates air in the system or low fluid levels. Test all lights—headlights, turn signals, and brake lights—they’re crucial for safety when driving at night. Check the engine oil level and top it up if low to prevent overheating and breakdowns. Ensure the spare tire is properly inflated, and keep a jack and wrench in the toolkit for emergency tire changes on the road. Also, give the windshield wipers a quick check—poor visibility in rain is dangerous. These steps take less than 15 minutes but significantly reduce long-distance risks, ensuring a worry-free trip.
Every time I plan a long-distance road trip, I strictly check the preventive maintenance steps. The coolant is in the radiator under the hood, and the level must be moderate—otherwise, overheating on the highway can cause major trouble. For the battery health check, inspect the terminals and voltage; older batteries are prone to sudden failure. Check the belt system for tension and cracks—if it snaps, the whole car shuts down. The air and oil filters also need cleaning or replacement, as excessive dust can affect engine performance. Top up the windshield washer fluid to handle mud splashes on the road. I always keep an emergency kit handy: water, snacks, jumper cables, and a first aid kit, ensuring preparedness in case of unexpected delays. These preventive measures not only avoid towing costs but also ensure an uninterrupted journey—cost-effective and reassuring.
