Words by Allen Brown
There really is nothing quite like the open road. There’s a sense of adventure and fun that comes with exploring your surroundings. No matter where you are in the world, there’s always a trail or a long stretch to drive and feel your freedom on the pavement. Road trips are a great time to de-stress, get to know a new friend, or even re-solidify old ones. They’re part of road culture lore, and make for a memorable experience no matter what the circumstances are. Of course, if you’re going to embark on that journey, you’re going to have to make sure you’ve got the right gear, the right amount of time squared away, and most importantly, that your vehicle is in tip top shape. That last part is the most overlooked aspect of road trip prep. We just kind of assume that our car is going to be ready for the hundreds and hundreds of miles we dole out to it. That’s not always the case.
So, to help you prepare for your trip, here are some things you need to check before heading out.
Tires
Think back to the last time you had to change a tire. Now try to think if you replaced that spare. The spare situation is a common mistake among drivers of all levels of experience. When someone gets a flat tire, they usually throw the spare on, get it replaced, and never replace the flat tire in the boot. If you check a list of all the automotive parts, tires are going to pop up in a big way. So start from there. And if you’re going to go on a road trip, there’s definitely a chance you’ll need to change a tire. So be sure to check and double check that you’ve got set tires with good tread, and a spare that’s ready anytime you need it. It may seem a bit redundant, but you’ll thank yourself if anything were to happen on the road.
Fluids
Next, you’ll want to check your fluids, particularly, your oil and coolant. If you’re not someone that maintains your own vehicle, or you’re used to just taking it to the shop when it breaks down, this might be a bit of a foreign concept. So the oils should be a relatively light color without much debris, and it should hit the level as detailed by the dipstick. If not, it would be a good idea to change it. Coolant is a bit easier. Most cars have a coolant reservoir that is usually translucent white and has a “full/low” read on the side. Go to your local auto parts store and ask them what they’d recommend, if you’re not sure. Coolant and antifreeze are pretty much the same thing. Open the reservoir and pour until it says “full.” You’d want to go with a 50/50 mix that they sell. If you buy it concentrated, mix it yourself with distilled water.
Brake pads
If you’re going on the road for a long period of time, it’s a good idea to get your brake pads checked out. Make sure they’re working correctly and replace them if you absolutely need to. This will eliminate and potential problems if you have to suddenly stop. Decreasing the distance it takes to make a full stop is crucial to begin with. If you are going to be behind the wheel, a bit sleepy and kind of zoned out, at the very least make sure your brakes are in perfect condition.
Drive belt
While you’re looking under the hood, check the condition of the drive belt. Listen for any squeaking or loud squeals when you turn the engine on. Also check for tears or signs of wear and tear. Look for fraying or splits. Check the pulleys for rubber build up that could impede on performance. Lastly, check the tension. You shouldn’t get more than half an inch to one inch of give if you pull on it. If your drive belt is at all damaged, you’re not going to go anywhere. You’ll last maybe a half mile after it goes and then you’ll be stuck. If you’re going into the great outdoors, this is a sure fire way to get stranded. Get it checked.
If you’re going on a road trip, just get everything checked. If you’ve got a good relationship with a mechanic, or know a friend, make sure they give it a good once over before you take your vehicle out. The above parts mentioned are the absolute necessities to get to your road trip destination, but there are little details that can help like windshield wipers and headlights. Those are a bit less pressing, but if they go, you’ll have to get them replaced while on the road. And that, like everything else on this list would be a pain while in the middle of a trip. So be smart, and be safe.