Drive Safely: A Must-Have Car Checklist Before Your Next Road Trip

During holidays going on road trips may be at the top of your list as it is both fun and memorable. You might plan a road trip to a hill station or a tourist spot with your friends, family, colleagues, etc. But to ensure you and your close ones don’t have a tough time during those trips, the car must be really taken care of. 

You spend countless hours picking your favorite destination or the best hotels to lounge in but seldom spend time preparing your car to perform to its fullest during the journey. If the vehicle is not prepared and checked thoroughly by repair shops like Peoria Volkswagen Service, it might cause a lot of misfortunes on the trip. Here are some of the must-have car checklists for your road trip:

  • Get The Right Oil: If you are going on a road trip during summer, it’s important to remember that hot temperatures require higher oil weight. The newly introduced cars run fine year-round on the same oil weight. But if you are driving an old one that has racked up significant mileage, you should upgrade to heavier oil to cover up the internal engine wear. But before switching, make sure your car’s model will fare well with heavier oil.
  • Check The Battery Date: The last thing you want is a dead battery in extreme weather. On the other hand, most people worry about their batteries dying under cold atmospheric conditions. If your battery is older than three years, you should get it tested. It is also a good idea to get a new unit from BMW in Peoria, AZ, just as a preventive measure to avoid delay or getting stuck on a road trip.
  • Top-Up Fluids: The car’s radiator’s antifreeze doesn’t require replacing yearly, but some mechanics would still suggest it. The mechanic must check the fluid with a coolant hydrometer. If necessary, you can top up the fluid, but use a 50/50 mixture for boil-over protection. The weather can be harmful during the winter, so you can switch to using 100% antifreeze instead of a 50/50 mix to keep the windshield clear.
  • Change Air Filters: During a road trip, you might be driving your car around with a lot of dust and dirt. The dirt and dust will prevent fresh air from entering your engine and the interior, which has a lasting effect on the engine’s well-being. You can replace the engine air filters as they are super easy to change. Consider installing the reusable and washable ones from BMW in Peoria, AZ, for better filtration.
  • Check The Tires: Another essential thing you must take care of is your car’s tires. Make sure they are all at the required pressure. If any one of the tires is particularly low, it might indicate leakage, and you must address the issue. You should also look at the tread and ensure it’s adequate. If the tread is faulty, you may slide or be prone to blowouts. 

Wrapping Up

No doubt going on road trips is one of the best ways to spend your holiday. But there are certain things you should really take care of before beginning the trip. The above-given checklist for cars is a must for every road trip.

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