There’s so much to do before a long road trip. Apart from planning the route, you need to check the traffic, meticulously pack your bags, make adjustments to your schedule, and run errands. In the middle of all this action, you might forget your transportation. Make sure the vehicle you choose is reliable and in the best working condition.
Skipping regular maintenance and due service means inviting trouble, especially on a long drive. Don’t worry. You don’t need to treat your Audi with an entire overhaul. There are some basic things you should check out before you hit the old dusty trail.
On a road trip, safety is the most essential aspect when you travel from point A to point to B. Any kind of delay in calling experts means you are running into more problems at the most inconvenient time. Let’s have a look at a few things before hitting the road and ensure your safety and your car’s reliability with the help of Audi Service.
Check Fluid Levels and Clarity
There are a few basic fluids required for optimal functioning in the most vital areas of your vehicle: your engine, brakes, transmission, steering, and radiator. When any one of these systems collapse or fail to operate, devastating problems might occur, resulting in safety issues and a nice parking spot on the side of the road with your name on it.
Be sure to check the level and clarity of the your engine oil brake fluid, power-steering fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid. On the top of that, make sure to keep extra coolant in the trunk of your car just in case.
You can also treat your car to a tune-up or an oil change before getting into gear for a long road trip. Make sure all of your fluids are inspected. It is best to have this service performed a few weeks before you intend to leave, in case an area needs further servicing.
Check Tires:
Don’t take your tires lightly. It is essential to make sure that you have four working tires in good condition before hitting the road. You can have your tires rotated and filled up with air before taking the most scenic route. This will remarkably prevent extensive wear on certain tires. Moreover, having your tire wear patterns inspected before the trip can also illuminate other areas of concern in your vehicle, such as suspension issues and wheel alignment. It’s important to have these issues addressed before hitting the road.
Check Brakes:
This goes without saying, but your brakes are critical for your safety- especially on long drives. When you go on a long drive, you often don’t know what lies ahead of you. Nothing is more embarrassing than getting stranded in the middle of the road, especially in places where you can hardly find a mechanic. Many steep mountains and hills can wreak havoc on your brake systems, and it’s important that your brakes are in good condition to endure such jerks. You may also consider replacing the brake pads before the trip, having the rotors and calipers inspected, and having a certified Audi Greensboro mechanic check the fluid clarity.
Check Safety Features:
Most people tend to avoid this step when gearing up for a road trip, but it’s one of the most important. You should always take care of your safety to avoid getting a ticket from a police office and to ensure your safety in various weather conditions. Be sure to check all important components including headlights, windshield wipers, brake lights, turn signals, and emergency lights prior to drive. Don’t forget to pack your emergency kit, complete with a spare tire kit, first-aid kit, towels, bottled water, snacks, coolant, and roadside safety reflectors. It won’t unwise to take guard against any odd coming your way.
Battery inspection:
Nothing will stop you dead in the track like a bad battery. Check its terminals for for the corrosion that often interrupts in power supply. Neutralize and clean corrosion with baking soda, a little water and a toothbrush. Wipe everything clean, then put the terminals back on and seal with battery terminal spray.
Washer Fluid:
Get a bottle of concentrate, not one of those jugs premixed stuff. Supply a little in your washer tank, then fill it up with plain water per the radio on the bottle of concentrate.
Window Policies:
Google the window tint level and device mount policies in the state’s you are driving to. You can get a primary or at least secondary citation for breaking these rules that amaze a lot of drivers. There’s not much to be done about the tint.
There’s so much to do before a long road trip. Apart from planning the route, you need to check the traffic, meticulously pack your bags, make adjustments to your schedule, run errands, and have your car insurance ready. In the middle of all this action, you might forget your transportation. Make sure the vehicle you choose is reliable and in the best working condition.
Gas prices:
If you’re on budget in terms of gas price, real-time price apps will assist you in finding the cheapest gas along your route in real time.
