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Happiness is……a road trip!

Don’t you agree? They say road trips aren’t measured by the distance you clock but by the moments. And it’s those moments that you will come to cherish the most. We after all live for the journey and not the destination.

Whether  you are planning to do the Chennai-Pondicherry on the ECR, Bangalore – Ooty, Mumbai – Mt.Abu, the Yamuna Expressway or the Manali-Leh on NH3, the first thing to check off your list is the fitness of your car!

Imagine being stuck in the middle of nowhere trying to get help. You really don’t want that stress and frustration.  If you are planning a road trip sometime in the near future, ensure that your car is in top condition.

Here’s a list of the most basic recommended checks for your car. While some of them maybe easily verified by you if you aren’t new to car maintenance, it is always best to leave the maintenance to your trusted car mechanic or your authorized car service center.

The Essential Fluids

1. Engine Oil – It lubricates the moving parts in the engine. Prevents heat and friction that could end up destroying the various components. This can result in engine seize up. This will cost you a LOT of money to get it working again.
2. Brake Fluid – You want your brakes to be working fine all the time irrespective of whether you are on a road trip or driving in the city. You wouldn’t want to compromise with the brakes’ ability to stop the car! The brake fluid is essential in smooth functioning of your brakes. Low brake fluid could also indicate a worn out brake pads. Have them checked too.
3. Transmission Fluid – This ensures that your gears are working smoothly. The fluid must be of reddish hue and must not smell burnt. If it does, then it’s time to replace it.
4. Power Steering Fluid – It is the hydraulic fluid that transmits power to the wheels. When it is at the ideal level, it ensures smooth steering mechanism
5. Radiator Coolant – The radiator directs the coolant around the engine to absorb heat. It returns the heat to the radiator which is then dissipated. If the coolant level is low, your car can heat up pretty quickly and leave you stranded.
6. Windshield washer fluid – You may think that it’s not important because it’s not going to stall your car. Well, you do need a clear view of the road and your windshield will be collecting a lot of dust and residue from bugs/flies while driving. So check and top it up if empty. Also ensure the wiper blades are working fine and are in good condition.
7. Fuel – A full tank before you hit the road. This doesn’t need any explanation, obviously.

Belts and Hoses

Hoses carry fluids and any leakage due to damaged hoses can lead to severe engine especially if it’s a coolant leak. When belts break the components they were powering stop functioning. Loss of power steering, overheated engine and failure of electrical system are results of faulty hoses and belts. Inspection of belts and hoses are best left to trained automobile experts. Have it checked by your service center.

Tyres

A few inches of rubber is what keeps you firmly in contact with the road. . While you are it, ensure your spare tyre is in good condition as well. Ensure that the pressure is as per your manufacture recommendation and that the treads are deep enough.

Lights

Check the headlights, taillights and indicators and ensure they are working fine. Defective lights will confuse other drivers on the road and impair your visibility. You need a clear view of the road and you need to alert other drivers when you turn or slow down. Have them checked and keep a spare set of bulbs in your emergency kit.

Air condition and defogger

An air conditioned car especially in summer ensures comfortable driving when on a long drive. A fully functional defogger is must when driving in monsoon or in the event of sudden rainstorm.

Brakes

Good set of brakes are your defence against untoward obstacles, rogue drivers and bad road conditions. They are the single most critical safety feature of your car. If you notice loss of grip, soft brake pedal, car veering left or right when braking or a squealing noise, it’s time to get it checked.

Air Filter

It’s an inexpensive part of your car that a tremendous amount of work. A clogged air filter is detrimental to the performance of the engine and your car’s fuel efficiency. Change air filter as per your owner’s manual. Have it checked especially if you are going to be driving in dusty conditions.

Battery

A dead battery means that your car is not going to start. It’s as simple as that. You battery needs to be in good condition for not just the vehicle to start but also for other electrical equipments and accessories in your car. If you’ve faced starting issues with your car, it may be an indication that your battery needs replacement. Jumpstarting is not even an alternative when you are planning a road trip. Get the battery also checked and replaced if necessary.

In addition to the above, a lot of offer multi-point check-up for your car if you are planning a road trip.

Once you’ve checked off the car service bit, ensure you check off of the below list of must-carry items for a road trip

1. Food – non-perishable items such as biscuits and energy bars
2. Drinking water
3. Blankets
4. Wet wipes, baby wipes, sanitary napkins
5. First Aid Kit – includes medication (painkiller, inhalers etc) for both adults and kids, assortment of bandages, antiseptic ointments, sunscreen, cold and hot packs, cotton balls and scissors
6. Seatbelt cutter
7. Small shovel
8. Flashlight
9. Jumper cables
10. Fire extinguisher
11. Tow rope
12. Road Map (its a backup)
13. Phone charger
14. A list of emergency contact numbers – ambulance, towing companies, roadside assistance, traffic helpline, car rentals, close friends & family
15. Awesome music to keep your spirits up!

While we wouldn’t want anything to go, it’s always advisable to be prepared for emergency situations. It helps to follow the checklist above and also get the car fully checked by an auto shop. This is going to save you money and more importantly keep you safe on the road.

Once you have checked off everything, don’t spare a moment but hit the road.

Drive responsibly and be safe!