The success of a road trip depends on the condition of your car. Do not take chances. These are car components to check carefully before a road trip to ensure your safety.
There is no specific time or season for a road trip. Although the rate of traveling increases at certain times of the year, especially festive seasons, the highways are always buzzing with vehicles. And with Sallah around the corner, a good number of people are already making plans to embark on that road trip during the public holidays.

You do not want your car to “misbehave” on the road, do you? Cars do not behave themselves just because you want them to. Like every other mechanical object, their attitude depends on how you treat them. If you want your car to be in top gear on that road trip, you need to check all important car components beforehand. Otherwise, you will be unpleasantly surprised. See the list compiled by Naijauto below!

1. Tires

Unless you are traveling to the neighboring town, chances are that you are going to spend hours on the road before you arrive at your destination. The tires make direct contact with the road. That is a lot of work for any object.

Considering the degree of work your tires are going to do, you should not entertain thoughts of driving on tires that are not in the best condition. Inspect them thoroughly. Are they well-inflated? Under-inflated tires are just as bad as over-inflated ones. Both can lead to a crash due to lack of balance.



Get a Vulcanizer to pump them accordingly. Check the tire treads too. Are they wearing out? That is a sign that they are due for a replacement.

2. Car lights

You are probably saying that this is not necessary because you will not be traveling at night. Well, after the day comes the night. If your destination is a long distance away, there is the possibility that you will arrive at night or in the dusk when daylight is diminishing. If your car lights are bad, you will be struggling with your driving. It is always good to be over prepared than be under prepared. The former keeps you grounded regardless of the outcome.

3. Brakes and clutches

The brakes are very sensitive when it comes to driving cars. On no account should you be on the highway with faulty brakes or clutches. If you insist on it, you might just be using your own hands to kill yourself.

Fixing the brakes and clutches while your car is parked is not enough. After fixing, test-drive it. Do you notice any unusual movements? Does your car pull to a certain direction when you apply the brakes? If yes, the brakes need more working.

Have an expert mechanic check it for you.

4. Fluids

Car fluids such as oil and coolant might be liquid substances but they are just as important as the mechanical and electrical components. These fluids help your engine to be well lubricated. When in shortage, there will be friction, leading to damage. You do not want that to happen on your road trip as it will mark the end of the journey. After checking the fluids, have them kept in your car just in case you need them later.



5. Steering wheel

You will need to navigate the road to get to your destination. The steering is the man for the job. Without it, you will end up in the bush. Your steering is in good condition when it takes your command. If you turn left, it should go with you without any reluctance. If you are trying to turn left, and your steering is turning right, there is fire on the mountain. And a road trip is a wrong place for that fire to burn.

Steering problems are very delicate as they involve control. Get an expert mechanic to fix it, and test-drive it before embarking on your trip to be sure that it is working perfectly.

Finish reading here: https://naijauto.com/safe-driving/car-check-before-road-trip-3751