Car Checks for Long Distance Driving
At MotorSolve, we take driving and car safety seriously. We always try to enforce the importance of completing car checks before you go on a long distance drive or on a regular basis. Not only can this be worthwhile for your MOT and car servicing, but it will give you huge peace of mind in knowing the car is good to go on your journey had. So, if you’re planning a trip in the car, we’d like to share 10 car checks before driving with you.
These checks are highly recommended before long distance driving, and on a regular basis. They are designed not only to keep the vehicle well kept and cared for but that you and any passengers are safe whilst driving too.
Checks to Make Before Driving
There is nothing worse than starting up the car to go on your journey and there being a fault or problem, not forgetting a breakdown whilst on the road. So if there was a checklist of things to check, that could prevent any faults or breakdown you’d do it wouldn’t you? Of course, you would! So voilà! Here it is, our recommended checks to make before driving…
- Engine oil – check your oil with a dipstick every fortnight and before long journeys (the engine should always be cold)
- Tyres – are they the right pressure and in good condition?
- Toolkit – make sure there’s a car kit in your boot along with the locking wheel nut kit if needed
- Water – check your antifreeze is topped up for Winter and the coolant level is high
- Wipers – make sure there’s no wear and tear on the wipers, if there is replace them
- Screenwash – it’s no good having quality wipers if there’s no screenwash, so make sure this is always topped up
- Power steering – make sure your fluid reservoir is checked monthly or before a long drive, and also when your car gets serviced
- Fuel – if you’re doing a long distance drive, make sure you have enough fuel so you’re not stuck paying motorway service station prices
- Lights – are all the lights working and clean?
- Windscreen – always lookout and check for any chips or cracks in the windscreen, and if so repair immediately
Did you know? You should check your car tyre pressures every 2-3 weeks. A lot of people either don’t check them for months or not at all, but they should be checked and topped up if required every few weeks.
Travel Safe
If you follow these steps before your long distance drives, you will feel a lot more at ease and relaxed before hitting the road. Not only that, but your car itself will of had all the necessary checks made, so if there was a problem it can be fixed before setting off. These 10 car checks before driving will help to prevent any issues whilst on the road, and also helps to keep your car safe and cared for. We love nothing more than seeing a car that’s clearly been taken care of, as it not only keeps them cleaner and more appealing, but it can make a huge difference when it comes to selling too.