Before leaving for a long journey, remember to check the car. Road trips are absolutely full of charm, but subject the vehicle to severe stress. You can find yourself traveling hundreds of kilometers without stopping, with very high temperatures and a higher than normal load. All the mechanical elements (and not) of the car must therefore be in “full shape”.
A few days before departure, therefore, it is more than advisable to dedicate a few tens of minutes of your time to your “four wheels”, so as to make sure that everything is in order and working at its best. Many of the controls, in fact, can be done indoors, without having to go to your trusted mechanic. However, if any anomalies arise during the checks, then it is advisable to go to the workshop and ask for the support of a professional.
First of all, you need to check the level of all fluids: so, if something is not in order, you will have plenty of time to settle the matter calmly. Obviously, it must check the engine oil level and that of the coolant. During the road trip, in fact, the engine will be subjected to a longer and more intense “overwork” compared to that of daily use. For this, you must be sure that the oil and the coolant are within the guard values: if they are below the minimum, it is highly likely that there is a leak in the circuit and, therefore, a problem that requires the intervention of a mechanic.
Equally important is the brake fluid level. In fact, if the brakes overheat, it is possible that small air bubbles are created in the braking circuit, which reduce the efficiency of the system and increase the space required to stop the vehicle. Not to be underestimated, then, the level of windshield wiper fluid. A clean windshield allows for optimal visibility of the road and everything around us, regardless of the path we are following.
Another element to check is the belt of services, usually immediately visible inside the engine hood. To be sure that everything is in order, a visual check is sufficient: in case of cracks or other imperfections, it is better to contact your trusted mechanic and have it changed. In fact, if it breaks down during the trip, we can only call a tow truck and let us “tow”.
It must then be verified what it is the condition of the tires. Also in this case, a careful visual check allows you to make sure that the tread level is higher than that required by the Highway Code and that there are no imperfections that could cause a sudden puncture while we are in full swing. Necessary, then, check the tire pressure and, following the instructions in the user manual, intervene if it is too low.
Finally, a control of lights it takes a few seconds (just turn them on), but it allows you to greatly improve the level of travel safety. If a low beam or an arrow does not work, we could find ourselves in serious trouble, as well as endangering the safety of those who are with us in the vehicle.
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