What to Check in Your Car Before a Long-Distance Trip?
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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.
