Nowadays, more and more people are opting for long-distance road trips or driving home, as it offers greater convenience. However, many car owners wonder: What checks should I perform on my car before a long journey? And what else should I pay attention to during the trip? Today, I’ll share some essential tips to help fellow drivers prepare. If you find this helpful, don’t forget to share it with friends who might need it!
What Checks Should You Perform Before a Long Trip?
1. Check the Tires
Tires are like the "limbs" of your car—long drives put immense pressure on them, leading to varying degrees of wear. Before setting off, inspect the tire surfaces for damage, ensuring there are no sidewall cuts or bulges, and that the tire pressure is correct. You can usually find the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure on the B-pillar (the door frame near the driver’s seat) or the fuel cap.
Bulges, severe sidewall damage, or incorrect tire pressure can be deadly on long highway drives! If you notice air leaks or bulges, visit a 4S shop for repairs or replacements. 👉You can find tires on the Amazon here
Even if you’ve installed new tires for the trip, emergencies can still happen. For safety, also check the condition of the spare tire in the trunk.
2. Check Fluids
Inspect all essential fluids, including engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid, ensuring they are at proper levels. Top them up if necessary. Also, check your fuel level—don’t wait until the low-fuel warning light comes on before looking for a gas station.
3. Check Lights
Lights play a crucial role in safe driving. Test all lights—turn signals, low beams, high beams, fog lights, and marker lights—to ensure they’re working. A single malfunctioning light can compromise safety. Before your trip, check not just the bulbs but also the control switches.
4. Check the Braking System
Inspect the brake pads; if they’re close to the wear limit, replace them immediately. Long trips are no time to take chances with braking performance.
5. Check the Wipers
Clear visibility is vital. Make sure the wipers function properly without streaks. Check if the rubber blades adhere tightly to the windshield—if not, replace them.
(👉 I recommend beam-style wipers—check them out in my store if needed!)It’s also wise to keep spare wiper blades and windshield washer fluid in the car.
6. Check Documents
Bring your driver’s license, vehicle registration, ID card, and some cash. While mobile payments are convenient, having cash on hand is always a good backup.👉 a documents bag can make you easier
7. Check Emergency Tools
Prepare an emergency kit, including:
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Tire repair tools
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Portable air pump
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Jumper cables
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Tow rope
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Jack
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Fire extinguisher
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First aid kit
8. Pack Water and Snacks
Bring plenty of drinking water—it’s useful not just for hydration but also for washing up. Pack energy-boosting drinks and non-perishable snacks like chocolate or energy bars, which are compact and provide quick fuel. Salty snacks can also make the trip more enjoyable.
What Else Should You Pay Attention to During a Long Drive?
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Take breaks every 1–2 hours (rest for 10–20 minutes). Stretch your legs and back at rest stops to improve circulation and reduce stiffness.
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Avoid sudden braking—frequent hard stops can strain your neck and spine, leading to long-term discomfort.
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Adjust cabin temperature properly. Many drivers immediately close windows and blast the A/C, but direct cold airflow can cause muscle stiffness and poor circulation.
Final Tips
Performing these pre-trip checks is crucial for a safe journey. Unless you’re an experienced DIYer, I recommend getting a professional inspection before a long drive for added peace of mind.
Wishing everyone safe and smooth travels!
Bonus Q&A: Can a Patched Tire Handle Highway Driving?"If you drive often, a flat tire is inevitable!" Many drivers have had tires repaired, but some worry about their reliability at high speeds. Can a patched tire still be used on highways? I’ve covered this topic in a previous article—reply with the keyword below to get the answer!
