It's very exciting to go on a long trip,but the first thing that comes to mind is that your car should be prepared for that trip.Prepping your vehicle before hitting the road is the key to avoiding breakdowns and being safe throughout the trip.Read this ultimate guide to know what the four most important areas are when prepping a vehicle for long trips.

One of the initial steps in getting your car ready for a long journey is to check the fluid levels and top them off.These include engine oil,transmission fluid,coolant,brake fluid,and power steering fluid.Low or dirty fluids have been known to cause a lot of drastic damage to either the engine or other parts of the vehicle if not taken care of in due time.

Begin by checking the engine oil level with the dipstick inside your car’s engine bay.The oil level should be within the recommended range.If necessary,make a note to have the oil changed.Check the transmission fluid level next and its color if the color is dark or it smells burnt.Then,it is high time to service the transmission.

Moreover,check the coolant reservoir and ascertain that it has enough coolant in it.Check brake fluid level and top it up if required.And lastly,check power steering fluid level referring to the owner's manual of your car.

Tires and Brakes Inspection

Inflated tires keep you safe and comfortable in your journey.First,check the pressure in your tires with a good gauge and make sure they’re at the levels recommended by the manufacture of the vehicle.Don’t forget to check the spare tire as well.

Next,consider the tire tread depth.Use either a tread depth gauge or look at it and do it yourself.Worn-out tires with improper tread depth may cause the stopping distance on wet surface to increase and also may lose overall traction on it.

Equally important is brake inspection before you head onto that long trip.Check the brake pads for wear;if they look thin or if they look worn down,replace them.Check the brake rotors for damage or heat warping.Squeaks or grinds when you apply the brakes usually mean trouble that'll be expensive to remedy.

Good visibility is so crucial to drive safely,more so when you are going on a long trip.All exterior lights,including the headlights,taillights,brake lights,turn signal lights,and hazard lights,should be inspected.Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

Emergency Essentials Packing

Before you start your long journey,it is important to pack some essentials in case of an emergency.As you prepare to hit the road,have with you some very important items in a roadside emergency kit.This may include jumper cables,spare tire plus jack,flashlight with extra batteries,first-aid kit,and basic tools such as pliers and screwdrivers.

Moreover,pack some extra water bottles and non-perishable snacks in a paper bag,just in case some airlines may consider the weight.For the same reason,in a small plastic bag,put the charging wire of your phone,headphones,and a pen.Also put a note with important phone numbers or with the word"charger"in case you forget your charger.In that way,you can quickly borrow someone else's by explaining that you left yours in a relative's car or house.

In conclusion,preparing your vehicle for long trips is a vital component of making the travel experience safe and enjoyable.How to Check Fluid Levels and a Routine Safety Inspection of Tires and Brakes Along with Lighting and Visibility,and Some Basics in Case of an Emergency Breakdowns are very avoidable with simple preparations nor is peace of mind supposed to be so elusive when the open road is considered.Please consult your make and model’s specific maintenance recommendations in the owner manual for its care.Happy Travels.