What to Check in Your Car Before a Long Trip?

[ElliottAnn]

Before embarking on a long trip, you need to check the following five items in your car: 1. Check all the fluids in the car: Mainly inspect the remaining levels of all fluids in the car. Each fluid reservoir is marked with a minimum lower limit and a maximum upper limit, and the amount of fluid should only be between these two marks. Even if the fluid is at the minimum level, it should not be added temporarily; only when it is below the minimum lower limit should it be replenished. 2. Check the tires and brakes: For tires, inspect two aspects—tire pressure and wear level. The tire pressure can be checked according to the manufacturer's recommended standards. To check the wear level of the tires, mainly look for bulges or scratches on the inner and outer sides. 3. Check all the lights on the car: Ensure that all the lights on the car are functioning properly. 4. Battery inspection: If the car is less than two years old, the battery does not need to be checked. For cars older than two years, it is recommended to inspect the battery regularly, especially before a long trip. Most car batteries have a lifespan between 2 to 6 years.

[MacJosiah]

Every time I go on a long-distance drive, I make it a habit to conduct a thorough check to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. First, let's look at the tires—tire pressure is crucial. I usually use a tire pressure gauge to measure it, ensuring both the front and rear tires meet the manufacturer's recommended values. Don’t forget the spare tire—what if you get a flat halfway? Next, check the fluids: the engine oil level should be between the upper and lower marks; top it up if it’s low. Coolant and brake fluid should also be above the minimum line to prevent engine overheating or brake failure. For the lights, test the headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to make sure they’re working—they’re essential for nighttime safety. Check the brake pedal for looseness by gently pressing it to see if it feels spongy. Don’t forget emergency tools like a jack, warning triangle, and first-aid kit. Clean the windshield with washer fluid to remove dirt. Bring important documents like your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Finally, is the air conditioning working properly? Make sure the vents are blowing air to avoid discomfort from heat on the road. Taking care of these small details can save you a lot of trouble.

[LondynLee]

Before embarking on a long-distance drive, I pay special attention to checking the vehicle's condition to prevent accidents. Key points include inspecting tire wear—running fingers over the tread grooves to check depth; if too shallow, it's time for new tires. Adjust tire pressure to the standard value, and don’t forget to test the spare tire’s pressure, as a flat spare in remote areas can be a nightmare. For engine fluids: change the oil if it appears black, top up coolant if low, and ensure brake fluid isn’t too diluted, as this affects braking performance. Don’t overlook the lighting system—test front/rear lights by turning the key, especially brake lights, which are crucial for avoiding rear-end collisions. Check brake disc thickness; squeaking may indicate severe wear. Secure battery terminals by tightening nuts to prevent loosening, and use a voltmeter to confirm voltage stays above 12V. Keep tools like wrenches and a fire extinguisher in the trunk, along with properly placed warning triangles. Pack emergency water and snacks, fill the washer fluid to avoid blurred vision, and make pre-trip checks a habit for peace of mind.

[McCaleb]

I love road trips and always check these basics before heading out. For tires, check if the pressure is sufficient and top up with a pump if needed; don’t forget the spare tire—it’s crucial in emergencies. Fluids are simple: pull the dipstick and change the oil if it’s dark, and ensure the windshield washer fluid is full for effective wipers. Test the lights to see if the headlights work and the turn signals flash properly. Press the brake pedal to feel for any unusual sounds, which could indicate danger. Keep battery terminals clean by wiping off corrosion. Pack an emergency tool kit for simple repairs. Carry your documents for safety and convenience. Test the air conditioning by setting it to max fan to check if cold air comes out. These steps are quick and take just two minutes.