If you are planning a road trip you may be eager to just pack your bags and hit the road, but taking some time to make sure your car is in a good condition can save you a lot of trouble while on the road, and more importantly keep you and your family much safer. Whether you are planning a short or long trip, there are a couple of things that you shouldn’t overlook. Here is a list of the 10 most important things you should check before your next road trip.
Check the fluids
Check all the important fluids in your car before you hit the road. This includes the oil, brake fluid, coolant, windscreen washer fluids and antifreeze.
Replace the oil and air filter
If you haven’t done this in a while, replace your vehicle’s oil and oil filter at the same time. Also check the air filter as a worn out filter can affect the vehicles efficiency and performance.
Check the tires
Check that the tire pressure on all the tires. Also look out for worn tire threads and other signs of damage, and if needed, repair and replace the tires before you leave. Don’t forget about the spare.
Check the wiper blades
Wiper blades play a significant role in keeping you safe during rain and storms. Check and replace windshield wipers or the rubber refills if they don’t clean the windshield well enough. Test the windshield washer jets as well.
Lights and indicators – replace fuses and bulbs
Ask a friend to help you check that all the car lights and indicators are working. These include the headlights, tail lights, indicator lights, and reverse lights. Replace any fuses and bulbs if necessary.
Check the emergency equipment
There are a few pieces of equipment that can get you out of a sticky situation or keep you safe during an emergency or breakdown. Make sure that your spare tire, emergency tools (screwdrivers, spanners, pliers, etc.) and puncture repair kit is in good working order. Remember to also keep a flashlight, fire extinguisher, medical kit and reflective triangle in the car’s emergency kit.
Remember road side assistance, car service and car insurance details.
Make sure all your road side assistance and car insurance policies are up to date and keep a copy of the policy details and emergency contact numbers in the car. It is also wise to check when you last had a service as you may want to schedule a service before your trip, especially if it is due in the near future.
Let a professional check the brake pads
Worn out brake pads and faulty brakes can be extremely dangerous and it is best to have professional check them before your trip, especially if you haven’t done it in a while.
Check the seatbelts and child car seats.
Keep the driver and passengers safe by checking that all the seatbelts and buckles are in working order and accessible. Any baby or car seats should be in a safe condition and installed correctly.
Check the mirrors, windows and windscreen
Clean all the car windows and mirrors properly for good visibility and examine them for any chips and cracks. If there are any issues, especially when it comes to windscreens it is wise let a professional repair and replace the glass if necessary.
Are you looking for a reliable company to assist you with easy and convenient windscreen replacements or windscreen repairs in Perth? Autoscreens is a family owned and operated glass automotive company that specialises in sealing leaking windscreens, repairing small windscreen chips and doing any kind of car glass replacements. They are a mobile service that covers all the Perth areas and are available 7 days a week and after hours for emergencies.
Jason Squire has been in the automotive industry in the UK and Australia for over 25 years and started his own windscreen repair and replacement business, Autoscreens, in 2010.
Jason’s extensive professional qualifications and his broad industry experience paired with his military background means he brings an extraordinary level of skill, expertise and meticulous attention to detail to every aspect of his business.
Prior to starting Autoscreens, Jason worked for several leading international windscreen companies as well as spending a number of years in the armed forces. He has accumulated numerous professional qualifications, industry accolades and leadership awards, and is a highly respected volunteer in his local community.
Under his expert stewardship, Autoscreens has grown into one of the leading windscreen companies in Perth. Despite its success, he has ensured that the family-owned and managed company remains true to its founding values of integrity, quality and unsurpassed customer service.
To stay up to date with what is happening at Autoscreens, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
