Nobody knows when the COVID-19 pandemic will end and when things will go back to normal. However, this doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of traveling. Instead of traveling by bus or plane, hit the road yourself and take a road trip you’ll never forget. Before you do that, get your car ready and avoid a potential breakdown. In case you need help, here are five simple tips you’ll find useful.
Start with regular maintenance
Every car owner knows how important regular maintenance is. No matter when your last trip to the local mechanic took place, it’s a good idea to do it again before you hit the road.
The perfect time to do it is a few weeks before your road trip. That way, you have enough time to deal with any issues the mechanic identifies. If you prefer tackling regular maintenance in a DIY style, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to do everything yourself. Start by checking things such as tyre pressure, fluid levels and wheel alignment. In case your vehicle makes that screeching sound, it’s a good idea to take a look at the brakes before your trip.
Pack the emergency equipment
The last thing you want to happen on your road trip is to have your car stop in the middle of nowhere. Unfortunately, these things happen even when you’re driving a brand new vehicle. To make sure a potential issue with the car doesn’t ruin your trip, pack all your emergency equipment. Probably the most important thing you need to have in the track is a spare tyre. That way, even if one of your tyre breaks, you can get safely to the nearest mechanic and deal with the issue. Having some basic tools such as screwdrivers and duct tape in your trunk is also a good idea. A working flashlight can come in handy even if you have a flashlight on your smartphone.
Get new tyres
If your tyres show signs of wear, replacing them before you hit the road will result in a more enjoyable experience. Checking your tyres is easier than most people think, and you can do it even if you don’t know much about cars. All tyres come with tread wear indicators that tell you everything you need to know.
They’re moulded into the tread grooves at regular intervals around the tyre and finding them shouldn’t be tough. When buying new tyres, opting for a renowned brand is your safest bet. Just browse the web and you’ll be able to find quality 4WD tyres for your vehicle.
Take a look at the paint
Your road trip will be more enjoyable if your car looks good. Therefore, it’s a good idea to take a look at the paint and decide whether the vehicle could use a fresh coat of paint. The easiest way to make the decision is to look for the “orange peel” texture on the car. Another reason to get a new paint job is scratches. You may be able to get away with just masking scratches, but getting a paint job is usually the best solution. See your local mechanic and see if the paint job fits your budget. Once a fresh coat of paint has been applied, make sure you also apply a quality automotive clear coat for better protection.
Add car fun accessories
Road trips are amazingly fun. However, most people get bored during the ride and only enjoy the destination. The good news is that there are some car fun accessories that can completely change your road trip. For example, why not get a portable DVD player before your trip? That way, the passengers can watch a movie and make the trip more exciting. A portable DVD player can also be a real lifesaver if you’re traveling with kids. If you want to do, even more, check your stereo and see if it could use an upgrade. That way, the only thing left to do is prepare your road trip playlist.
Taking a road trip is better when you don’t have to worry about having your car stop. Once you do everything on this list, it’s time to pack and fit the road.
