Top Tips For Preparing For Road Trips

Can you remember your last road trip?

Perhaps it was a bit of a blur because everything was happening and you were running late because the kids couldn’t pull themselves away from their gadgets, or work ran overtime, or that one friend or family member that just seems to leave everything to the last minute popped by for a quick visit.

Do you remember checking over your vehicle to make sure that it was up to making the trip you were heading out on?

An NRMA report found that the organisation had more than 130,000 roadside assistance calls in a 12-month period for issues related to wheels and tyres.

A few minutes of your time to check over the vehicular basics is a small price to pay to help safeguard your family on a long car trip. Often in the haste of trying to get on the road it’s easy to forget to check the simple things.

Making sure your vehicle is ready for the trip is essential and there are some straightforward things you can do that could be the difference between getting to your destination safely and sitting by the roadside waiting for help.

Check tyre pressure and inflation levels using your owner’s manual to ensure what the optimum inflation level is. Under-inflated tyres are a leading cause of tyre blowout. Make sure to check your spare, too.

Check the wear indicator on your tyres. The grooves should be at least three millimetres deep.

Check your windscreen wipers so you can see the road clearly. New wiper blades cost about $30 a pair and are simple to replace. Some places you purchase from may even replace them for you.

Check your engine oil. It is the lifeblood of your engine, providing lubrication for the moving parts inside the engine while also cooling and cleaning these parts so your car continues to run. Locate your dipstick beneath the bonnet and make sure the oil level is between the two markers at the end of the dipstick. Top as needed.

Ensure all lights are working, including those on trailers and caravans.

Of course, regular servicing throughout the year is the best way to ensure your car is reliable.

Regular servicing improves safety, boosts performance, and enhances fuel economy.

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• Motoring
• Holidays
• Living and Lifestyle