The excitement of packing up the car, loading up the kids, and starting your trek can be overwhelming. But before you go, there are several important items to check in your car first. If you are driving long distances for the first time, there are a few things you should be sure to check before you get on the road. If you are not familiar with car parts but you still don’t want to spend too much on car parts, just google search “auto parts near me” it will take you to your nearest auto part sellers and second-hand auto part sellers and you can find out the price of the part you require, compare it and choose whichever suits your budget.

It’s a well-known fact that going on a long trip can be an exhausting and tedious experience. Before you set out on a vacation, it’s important that you check your vehicle to make sure that it is in good working order. This will ensure that your journey is smooth and without any unpleasant surprises.

Inform someone about where you are going and when you might be back. And make sure they have a way to contact you if needed.

Check the fuel level and see if the tires have enough pressure. Check for any damage to the tires and underbodies as well. If your car is too dirty, clean it up before you set out on a long journey. Wear your seat belt at all times while driving, don't drink or use drugs before driving and avoid eating greasy foods (that will lead to car sickness). Before setting off on your trip make sure that you're not leaving anything behind in the car.

The driver should plan their journey in advance and set a fuel stop at a convenient location. The driver should have a long trip checklist that includes items such as checking the car's oil, tyre pressure, and water levels. Another important thing is to check is the condition of your tyres because they can heat up from driving, leading to blowouts or punctures. Tires with low air pressure may also lead to blowout or puncture if they are pushed too hard for too long.

It is important that you carry emergency equipment like an emergency roadside kit in case you get stranded somewhere along your journey without facilities. One should always be a good idea to get your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before a long drive, specially if your car is old and due for service.

You’ve probably heard of some of these tips before but it’s always good to refresh on the list!

1. Dashboard warning signals

If your dashboard has one or more warning signals, it is advisable to get it checked immediately. Those warning lights are designed to let the driver know that there is something wrong with your vehicle and get it checked as soon as possible.

Turn on your ignition and check if all warning signals blink for just a moment. If the warning lights are not flashing at all, then there could be some problem with its electronic system and you should get if fixed as dashboard warning signals are very important for you and your vehicle’s safety. OEM auto parts team will suggest you to search for auto parts near me and find the best and affordable replacement parts for your vehicle before starting your journey.

2. Battery

Always check your battery before leaving for any long trip. You should look for weird sounds while starting your vehicle. Usually, a battery lasts for roughly three years depending on how you drive and turn on your car lights without fail. If your vehicle's battery is nearing its 3-year period or already crossed it, you should definitely get it checked before even planning a long drive.

3. Engine's cooling system

Check the coolant level in your vehicle’s tank, if it is below the minimum mark, get it refilled. You also need to check the colour of coolant, it your either be clear, green or orange, if it is anything but these colour, you need to get it changed immediately, and the tank flushed before refilling it with new coolant.

4. Tyres

You can check for tread wear, if the damage is more on one particular side, it indicates the alignment problem, overinflation or under inflation. You can spot underinflated tires by flat sidewall at the bottom. You can check the tire pressure with the help of a gauge which are available at almost every service station, both over and under-inflated tires can cause problems and inconvenience in your journey. OEM auto parts team will suggest you to search for auto parts near me and find the replacement tyres, get them replaced before starting your journey.

5. Worn out brakes

If you notice some trembling via your car's pedal and a metallic squeaking sound, it usually happens when the vehicle is old and the resistance surface of the brake pads is worn out. It is important to check the hydraulic fluid tank in the braking system and it should get flushed regularly.  

6. Steering and suspension system

If you have to hold your steering wheel in one particular direction to keep your vehicle moving in a straight line, or maybe your steering wheel is vibrating a lo, it shows that your steering wheel may require an alignment. If you hear low colliding sound or any uncommon and unfamiliar sound are the indicators that your steering bushes or wheel bearings are old or damaged.   

Dampers are important for your safety and one way to find out if your dampers are worn out is to place both hand on the steering wheel and put your weight on it bending forward, if your body back bounces in a slow and smooth motion, they are ok but if it doesn’t, you need to get them replaced.

7. Transmission, CV joints, and clutch

If your car is making a knocking sound it could be an indicator of bad CV joints in the drive shaft if the wheels or worn-out differentials. automatic transmissions which are difficult to shift from neutral to gear should not be ignored, as it could mean your transmission has some issue. A manual transmission is usually quite sturdy but if your vehicle is not moving as fast as your engine revs it could mean the clutch is slipping and your transmission needs repair or replacement. OEM auto parts team will suggest you to search for auto parts near me and find the best replacement parts for your vehicle before starting your journey.

8. Interior comfort

If your vehicle is not cooling properly and you are setting the ac temperature lower and lower to make your interior cool and comfortable, it indicates that your vehicle may be running out of refrigerant gas which cools the air. You may think that having it fixed is not necessary but having a non-working ac will make your long trip very uncomfortable especially if you are planning a trip with your family which includes kids and pets.

Remember if you end up stranded at a very deserted or isolated area where finding help is difficult and it could be troublesome and even dangerous for you and your family.