Long distance travel may present many opportunities, however, there are several things that one has to remember about to enjoy their journey and return back in peace. For example, one needs to take good care of his/her vehicle and perform regular inspections to avoid unpleasant situations during the trip. Below one may find several pieces of advice concerning long distance travel.
Fluid Levels
Checking fluid levels in one’s car is extremely important. It allows avoiding unnecessary trouble and helps maintain the car in proper condition. There are several kinds of fluids that should be checked and maintained. First of all, there is the issue of engine oil that serves as lubrication. Besides that, a sufficient level of coolant in the system is important, as it prevents the engine from overheating. Brake fluid is another kind of substance that one has to take care of. Transmission fluid has to be monitored as well.
To start with, one should refer to the owner’s manual and learn more about the recommended levels of particular liquids. Besides, one has to get quality products only. In order to check oil level in one’s vehicle, it is required to start the engine and let it work for some time. After that, one should turn off the engine and find the oil dipstick in the reservoir. Next step includes pulling out the dipstick, wiping it using a dry cloth, putting it back, and checking again. The level of the substance should be in the specified interval (marked with MIN and MAX).
Tire Pressure and Condition
Another issue that deserves attention concerns tire pressure and condition. Underinflated tires cause numerous problems, including lower fuel consumption and faster wear. As far as the opposite situation is concerned, it also has its drawbacks – one might experience a harsh ride and accelerated wear of suspension components. In order to make sure that everything is okay with the tires, it is necessary to check the pressure regularly. It is also useful to examine the tires to see whether they show any sign of wearing out or being damaged. For example, one has to look at the tread depth. To do that, one should insert a penny with Lincoln’s head pointing down into the tire groove. If the top of the head is visible, it means that it is time to change the tire.
Battery Maintenance
It is extremely important to monitor the condition of the battery. It is supposed to help in starting and powering electrical devices of the vehicle. First of all, one should examine the battery terminals, and if there is any corrosion or dust, they should be cleaned using wire brush or a special cleaner. Moreover, it is important to know how much water is left in the battery (for those cars whose batteries are liquid-filled). In case one lives in hot weather conditions, a battery maintainer is highly recommended.
Air Filter and Cabin Air Filter
The first thing one has to do in regard to air filters is replacing them. It is recommended to change the engine air filter once in 15,000 or 30,000 miles, or depending on what the manufacturer recommends. Cabin air filter is responsible for providing clean air in the car interior; that is why it is recommended to replace it regularly too. In case there are some signs that something is wrong, it is time to check the filter, and if it does not work properly, it is supposed to be replaced.
Brake Pads and Rotors
One more issue that one has to take care of concerns brake pads and rotors. In order to make sure everything works correctly, it is suggested to check brake pads’ wear. One should pay attention to cracks and other damages, as well as wear along edges of pads. When it comes to brake rotors, one needs to check their wear, scoring, and warping. Once any of these features are discovered, it means that the brakes require professional inspection.
Spark Plugs and Belt Maintenance
Speaking about car parts one has to maintain, it is important to mention spark plugs and belts. In case of the former, one has to remember that they initiate ignition of the fuel-air mixture. As for belts, they are responsible for driving several parts of the engine, including alternator and water pump. It goes without saying that one should take care of spark plugs and replace them every 30,000 or 100,000 miles. In case there are any signs of wear or damage on belts, one should change them immediately (every 50,000 or 90,000 miles).
Maintenance Plan
Finally, to make sure everything works fine, one has to establish a schedule for car maintenance. For instance, oil changes should be done every 5,000 or 7,500 miles. Tire rotations have to be conducted every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. When it comes to replacement of brake pads, they should be changed after 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Spark plugs should be installed again after 30,000 to 100,000 miles.
