Essential Car Checklist for Long Trip

Road trips have a charm of their own. The fun of a road trip is rarely about the destination, but the journey itself. But what happens if your car breaks down in the middle of the trip? And if that happens on a lonely stretch or at an ungodly hour, your dream trip can quickly turn into a terrifying nightmare. To save yourself from hefty expenses, you may have bought a good online car insurance policy, but that would not help you with the stress and time invested in bringing the situation under control and resuming your travel. However, timely car checks and preparing your car for a long road trip can save you from unnecessary trouble during the journey. Here are some things you must check before embarking on a long road trip.

Top 10 car inspections to perform before hitting the road:

Check your battery

Nothing can be more frustrating than being stranded on the road because your car’s battery gave up midway. Therefore, checking your car’s battery before a road trip must top your list of priorities. Whether it's too cold or hot, running a car in extreme conditions can take a toll on your car's battery. Also, if your car battery is more than three years old, you should get it tested at one of your nearest certified garages. You may go for a battery replacement if you are not satisfied with its condition.

Car insurance policy

Before revving up your car’s accelerator and kickstarting your trip, remember to check your car insurance policy. You must know its terms and conditions to be better prepared in the face of a mishap. If you are planning a long road trip, you may even want to expand its coverage by buying relevant add-ons such as roadside assistance cover, engine protection cover, and more. Also, see if your car insurance policy is up to date. If it has expired, online car insurance renewal can help you in securing your drive in no time.

Replace air filters

If you have not replaced your car's air filters in a long time, you may be setting yourself up for a bad trip. Driving with clogged air filters inhibits fresh air from reaching your engine, causing gradual damage to the engine and other internal components. To make your journey pleasant and free of any unnecessary halts, consider using washable and reusable air filters for greater filtration.

Emergency kit:

Irrespective of the length of your planned road trip, it is never a good idea to drive your car around without an emergency kit. Before taking your car out of the parking lot, check for the first-aid kit. You may also opt for a personal accident cover along with the car insurance policy to safeguard yourself during road mishaps. Meanwhile, an emergency kit is more than a first-aid kit. It should include a flashlight, jumper cables, some basic car repair equipment, flares, and a few other items.

Fill the fuel tank

If you are planning an adventurous trip to the mountains or some far away remote place, make sure your car's fuel tank is full. It is not uncommon to find travellers stranded on roads because they ran out of fuel. Plus, hilly terrains and remote areas may not have many petrol pumps in the vicinity. Therefore, to avoid an unpleasant encounter like this, make a note of this pointer on your checklist before you start your journey. If you are driving an electric vehicle, check to see if it is fully charged.

Car lights

If you are taking your car out on the road during night hours or in foggy conditions, you must check your car's headlights. If your car lights are not working or if their brightness has gone down, consider replacing them with new ones. Driving with dim headlights is not only difficult but is riskier as well.

Check Tyres

Your car's tyres form the connection between the vehicle and the road. Therefore, it is very important to ensure they are in good condition always, especially so before a long road trip. Look for any noticeable damage, bubbles, or inflexions on the tyre's surface. Also, check the tyre pressure. If it's too high, it will wear out on the sides and edges, leaving you stuck in the middle of your drive.

Spare wheels

It is almost impossible to not damage your car tyres while driving on Indian roads. If you are driving on dirt roads, the chances of damage increase significantly. Therefore, if you are planning a trip to the mountains or if your travel route passes through rural settlements, don't forget to keep spare wheels in your car. To avoid any unpleasant situation with your car's wheels, you may add a tyre protection add-on to your car insurance policy

Car's documents

Driving a car without knowing the basic RTO rules can lead to a hefty penalty or your car’s seizure. Before you set out on a long drive, double-check documents that you must carry with you at all times during the drive. These mandatory documents include your car's registration certificate (RC), pollution control certificate (PUC), insurance papers, and driving licence.

Second driver

Road journeys can be stressful, and sitting and driving in the same position while wearing your seat belt can strain your wrists and back. Plus, on very long drives, you run the risk of falling asleep while being behind the wheels. In such circumstances, you may require someone to replace you in the driver's seat. Although, this tip does not count as a car inspection tip, travelling with a second driver is always a good idea before embarking on a long journey.

To Conclude:

A road trip is both an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. However, to ensure that you do not have a difficult time, it is necessary to make sure that your car is in good working condition. So, in addition to upgrading your online car insurance policy to a comprehensive cover, make sure you are following the other tips before heading out on your dream road trip.