Essential safety checks before you start a road trip

Essential safety checks before you start a road trip

Whether you are an adventurer who wants a new experience outdoors, want to dedicate more time to your family or have many years hitting the road, to remember the safety checks to start your trip will never be too much, because safety always comes first, and this will allow you to enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing that you meet the basic safety requirements.

 

Check oil levels

It is important to check the oil levels and quality. You can do this by following the minimum and maximum marks on the factory meter.

Brake League

Brake fluid is also a basic element in safety at the wheel, however, it is common to overlook a periodic check to know if they have expired Could you tell when was the last time you checked or changed the brake fluid in your car?

There are several ways to check the condition of the brake fluid, one of the most basic is to step on your brake pedal, if the sensation is spongy or the pedal sinks more than normal, there may be problems.

Tire quality

In this case, you must pay attention to both the balance and its quality. To assess the degree of decay, tires usually have indicators on the tread, if they are flush with the witness is time to change them.

You should also make sure that they are at the proper pressure, this information is usually on the B-pillar of the car – next to the driver’s seat.

 

 

Battery

To do a basic check of your battery, make sure it is not spilling liquid, verify the terminals are in good condition and not sulfated, rusty or rough.

Most car batteries last between 4 and 5 years. In hot climates, they may only last about 3 years. If you recharge your battery and find that it doesn't hold the charge while your car is turned off, then replace it.

If you buy a new battery, you should dispose of the old one according to the laws imposed in your region.

Test and recharge your battery at the nearest auto parts store.

 

Suspension Springs

The function of suspension springs is to maintain the height of the track to the ground, support the weight and provide stability in curves and when braking. They also absorb the impacts caused by unevenness and bumps in the ground.

Spring damage affects suspension, alignment, and steering. For this reason, it is highly recommended to carry out a visual inspection of the optimum distance between the edge of the mudguard and the center of the wheel, according to the measures established by the manufacturer, in addition to the condition of the springs and the suspension every 10,000 km.

 

Lights

This is a necessary operation from time to time and with the ruler and a screwdriver you will correct any defect in a few seconds. Don't forget to set up the light system. Your safety on the track depends on it.

 

 

 

The coolant is essential for the operation of the engine because it not only takes care of the cooling but when the temperatures drop, it also exerts an antifreeze action. This check is essential before you hit the roadside,

Before starting to check the antifreeze liquid we must place our car in a place that is completely flat. In addition, we must wait until the whole engine is completely cold.

Once we comply with these two conditions, when opening the hood we should look for a tank that is usually transparent plastic material and whose caps have black and blue colors. If with these indications still you did not find it, the best thing is that you revise the manual of your car that will come indicated to you.

 

 

Assistance Kit

Make sure your Assistance Kit is complete and in optimum condition. A Roadside Security Kit is a great ally to increase road safety, so you must ensure that all parts are in good condition, so that in case of any setback you have them at hand and can achieve a quick and proactive solution to your situation. Some essential security tools are Jumper Cables, Warning Triangle, Bungee Cord, Emergency Blanket, Light-sticks, Tire Repair, Scape Hammer, Gloves, Led, Flashlight. It is important that you have the right equipment and the best quality, we recommend you review these Assistance Kits to take a look and find the one that best suits your needs.

 

Windscreen

Checking the condition of your windshield is essential to ensure that you are complying with essential safety measures. Any damage of more than 10mm in the driver’s area and more than 40mm in the rest of the windscreen already constitutes a risk and does not comply with the safety parameters established in the road rules.

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