Long road trips are a favorite activity among families and groups of friends. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend time together and discover new places and experiences.
In highly developed countries, people go on long road trips not only to reach a beautiful destination. People embark on this journey to see all the side attractions, too, such as well-designed roadside stations and the distinct architecture in certain towns.
Indeed, there’s a delightfully diverse set of experiences that you can gather when you go on a road trip. To ensure that everyone has a thoroughly pleasant journey, it’s important to make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape. Aim to book car services at least a week before the trip so you can have peace of mind that your vehicle is in excellent working condition and is well-equipped to take on your upcoming trip.
What the Car Service Should Cover
So, what services should your car get before you take it out for a long road trip? Here are six services you should take note of:
1. Tire check
According to an injury claims firm, about 78,000 road accidents are caused by tire blowout and flat tires. And, over 10,00 serious injuries, as well as, 400 deaths result from these tire-related accidents.
Do not be a part of these troubling statistics. Make sure to have your tires checked thoroughly when you have your car serviced in preparation for the trip. If they are old, consider buying new ones. If they are still in pretty good condition, make sure that they are aired and that all tires have the same air pressure.
For the tire check, it may likewise be advantageous to inform the service center about your destination’s climate. This will allow them to adjust the air to the appropriate pressure, and also use the right air (winter air or summer air) to fill the tires up for safer driving.
2. Oil change
Having your car’s oil changed is in order, especially if you use the vehicle often and the current car mileage dictates it. When you are on a long road trip, the last thing you want is for your car to suddenly conk out on you due to the buildup of debris and sludge in the engine. As such, schedule the oil change to take place before the trip if it hasn’t been done recently.
Also, it’s essential to mention that changing the oil for the trip can save you a bit of money. It will improve gas mileage, which is always an advantage for road trips.
3. Brakes check
Just like with tires, the condition of the car brakes is critical. Faulty brakes are a leading cause of vehicular accidents, so it is imperative to replace or repair them if they are broken.
During long trips, you change speeds often, tackle different terrains, and even deal with changing weather conditions that could force you to implement a different driving style. The condition of your breaks needs to be good for the car to run smoothly.
4. Radiator service
Overheating is a common occurrence during a lengthy road trips. Have car service professionals inspect the coolant level in the car radiator to prevent overheating for a long and continuous drive. Also, make sure that there are no leaks and tears on the upper and lower radiator hoses.
The worst thing that could happen when the radiator overheats during the trip is that it can break and also damage the engine. Not only will this render the car useless, but it will also be difficult and expensive to repair. So, make sure that the radiator is properly inspected before your trip.
5. Air conditioning upkeep
Comfort is a must for long drives, regardless of whether you are on a trip with adults, children, or both. One of the key elements of a comfortable ride is a properly working car air conditioning or AC system.
If you live in the UAE, no car should ever be taken on the road when the AC is broken. The temperature inside a vehicle can reach extreme levels easily, even with the windows down.
Needless to say, make sure that the car services you get include AC upkeep to ensure everybody’s comfort during the ride.
6. Cleanup
A car cleanup is not only meant for aesthetic purposes; it also helps to ensure a totally pleasant experience for everybody joining the trip. Have the car thoroughly washed so it can look presentable. Freshen up in the interior as well; have the upholstery and floors vacuumed and treat the car to a new air freshener.
Remember, a long road trip would be no fun if everybody is complaining about a strange smell or dirty upholstery.
An Essential Pre-Trip Responsibility
Getting your car serviced properly before a road trip will leave you with a valuable benefit: peace of mind from knowing that you’re all set for a comfortable, enjoyable and hassle-free journey ahead.