Use This 5-Point Checklist The Next Time You're Driving Long Distance
Under-the-hood guide included!
Before all the makan pit-stops and the epic wefies, there's one final stretch of adulting you're gonna have to do: making sure your car is up for the drive
Firstly, it's highly advisable to be on track with your car's service schedule. Once that's done, check these 5 basic things before embarking on that long drive:
1. Under the hood
Park your car on level ground before starting these basic checks:
A. Windshield Washer Fluid
Open the tank cap with the windshield logo on it. If the water level is low, top it up with distilled water to avoid any clogging.
B. Engine Oil
Pull the dipstick out, wipe with a clean cloth and insert it back in its groove. Pull it out again and make sure the oil level is is between the 'Low' and 'Full' mark. If the level is less than 'Low', top it up.
C. Coolant
Check fluid levels in the radiator and the reservoir tank; top up with coolant or distilled water if fluids are low. Just make sure the engine is cool before opening the radiator cap, to avoid injury.
D. Battery
Most batteries are good for a little more than a year, so if it's been longer than that since your battery was last changed, changing it before your trip would be a wise idea.
2. Wipers
Start by spraying water onto the windshield and testing out your wipers to see if they're moving and clearing the water properly.
If you're noticing that the water smears the screen instead of being completely cleared off, wipe your wiper blades with a clean cloth dipped in warm, soapy water.
If the smearing remains, it's likely that your blades are worn. Get them replaced.
3. Lights
A road trip is a dangerous time to be having malfunctioning light bulbs. Test out your indicators, brakes, reverse and headlights to make sure they're all working perfectly.
4. Tyres
Check your door frame for the recommended front and rear tyre pressure. Set the air pump meter to the corresponding pressure and pump away until you hear the beep.
While you're at it, it's a great idea to check the pressure in your spare tyre too. To be sure on the optimum pressure for the spare, check the manual.
5. Emergency Kit
Here's a basic checklist of things you should always have in your car, in case of emergencies:
- Tool kit including tire gauge, screwdrivers, pliers and such
- Jumper wires
- Flash light
- Reflective warning triangle
- Compact fire extinguisher
- Some rags
- First aid kit including plasters, gauze pads, and antiseptic ointment
- Bottles of distilled water
Take nothing for granted. Planning ahead and checking the 5 basic components above will ensure a safer drive.
