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 started Autoscreens in 2010. With over 35 years of experience gained in both the UK and Australia, the company is well established as a leading provider of windscreen replacement and autoglass repairs in Perth.
His journey to becoming a certified repairer license holder status with DMIRS (and business repair license MRB3703) began many years ago. He was born and brought up in the UK – the country where his long career in the automotive industry began. In common with many of the world’s best tradespeople it all started with an apprenticeship. For Jason, this was in vehicle bodybuilding and a specialisation in vehicle conversions.
He followed that up with several additional professional qualifications, including a Grade A Vehicle Body Building Certificate from the Road Transport Industry, a GQA level 2 in NVQ Automotive Glazing and a Level 2 qualification in Joining Materials by Welding from the UK Engineer Training Authority.
During his studies, Jason was also a part-time volunteer in the Royals signals with the Reserve Territorial Army. Between 1991 and 1995, Jason completed his Phase One Signallers Course with the Royal Armoured Corps and was awarded a Certificate of Trade Proficiency as a Territorial Army Driver Electrician Class 3. Training exercises took him all over Europe. He also represented the Signals in Rugby.
From there, he joined the armed forces on a full-time basis with the Queens Royal Lancers and continued to impress with his leadership skills and willingness to broaden his skillset, during which he lived in Germany. In 1996, he graduated from the Queens Royal Lancer Leadership Academy where he was named best recruit. His time with the Queens Royal Lancers he qualified as Tank Driver, Crew Medic and Gunner.
In 1999, Jason left the armed forces to join RAC Auto Windscreens. His skillset enabled him to fast-track his career to base supervisor and lead technician working with premiere dealerships in Crewe, Cheshire.
He also continued to volunteer in a number of different areas, including as a first responder with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and a scout leader with the Scout Association.
He relocated to Australia in 2008 with his young family and spent his first two years down under as a head technician for a national windscreen company.
However, with all his experience, extensive qualifications and his abiding passion for the automotive industry, it was inevitable that he would start his own company and make his mark as an industry leader.
He started Autoscreens in 2010 and has grown the business into the leading windscreen repair and replacement company in Perth, servicing both domestic and commercial customers. Autoscreens has a certified Motor Vehicle Repairers Licence MRB3703 issued by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.