The majority of families take their family holidays throughout the summer. These vacations are frequently comprised of road excursions. An emergency is the easiest way to put the breaks on a fun family road vacation. You can reduce that danger by making enough preparations and advance plans.

MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES

A car may suffer if driven in the summer heat, especially if it has not been properly maintained. Having your car inspected by a mechanic before you go is the greatest thing you can do to get it ready for a road trip and avoid automobile problems.

In this manner, any problems or potential problems may be solved before you get trapped far from home. You must at the very least attend to the following:

• Tires- Ensure that the spare tyre is correctly inflated to the recommended PSI as well as all the other tyres. Before you start driving, make sure to inspect the tyres since heated tyres might provide false readings. Look for uneven or severe wear to determine whether the tyre tread is in excellent shape. It is time to replace the tyre if it has worn more than 2/32 of an inch. Look for the tread wear indication on the tyre or do a penny test if you’re uncertain.
• Coolant- Examine the condition and level of the coolant. Check to see that the water and coolant are properly blended at 50/50.
• Engine fluid examine the engine oil’s condition and level. Consider upgrading to an oil with a greater viscosity if you will be driving in harsh circumstances, such as during the sweltering summer or while towing a large trailer. For detailed advice, see your owner’s handbook.
• Hoses and belts- make sure the engine is off before inspecting the belts and hoses for blisters, cracks, soft spots, or wear. Replace any that require it right away to prevent an issue. Belts, in particular, have the potential to seriously harm engines if they rupture while in motion.
• Battery- the lifespan of a car’s battery might be shortened by hot summer temperatures. Look for loose wires, rust, and fractures in your batteries. Before your road trip, you should get your battery inspected by a skilled car mechanic if it is three years old or older.
• Brakes- before travelling long distances, inspect the brakes and replace the brake pads. The pad, lines, and fluid are the crucial braking parts that must be inspected before departure. Keep in mind that the pads have a metal indicator built into them that will produce noise when there is little material left in the pads. They need to be replaced if you can hear this sound.
• The climate control- have the system checked to ensure efficient operation, as comfortable interiors depend on adequate cooling efficiency.
• Lights and wipers-on the road, visibility is crucial, and you need to make sure that not only you, but also other drivers, can see you. Check that all of the outside lighting is operational and clean the headlight lenses if they are hazy. In order to ensure that you can see well if you are caught in a storm, replace old wiper blades.
• Emergency supply- carry an emergency kit that includes jumper cables, a first aid kit, extra water, a torch, additional batteries, warning flares, or reflective triangles. Before you set out on your excursion, make sure your cell phone is completely charged.

Travel planning

You’ll need to do a little bit more than just prepare your car for the journey in order to keep things going properly. There are further preparations and factors to think about, such as:

• Maps-To ensure that you know exactly where you’re going, choose your route on a map ahead of time and study it. It’s okay to use a GPS or a mobile device with a Google Maps app, but you shouldn’t rely completely on them. Also bring a paper map in case your batteries run out or your service is interrupted.
• Gas- You don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere without petrol. Make it a practise to keep your petrol tank at least one-quarter full at all times.
• Hotels- Make the necessary reservations in advance.
• Arriving at your destinations only to discover that you have nowhere to stay is the last thing you want to happen!
• Security-When leaving your car, be cautious to lock it and hide any valuables.
• Passenger protection-As required by law, place kids and adults in child safety seats, booster seats, or seat belts. Make sure you are taking safety precautions with your pet family member as well if they are joining in the fun.
• Comfort- Bring along some entertainment for the travel, such as books, games, or music, as well as a cushion so people may sleep. Consider bringing along an extra blanket to ensure that anyone who might be a bit more sensitive to the AC is comfortable.
• Excitement- For youngsters, road trips can occasionally become daunting. Maintain their enthusiasm for the adventure. Bring travel information, and talk about all the exciting things you can do there. They may assist you in keeping track of your travel progress on a map, which will keep them interested in your excursion.

Visit us if you need assistance making sure your car is prepared for a summer road trip. For the majority of vehicles, light trucks, and SUVs, Smart Mechanics offers comprehensive car service in Essex, Stansted, Bishop Stortford, and Hertfordshire. Trust the professionals at Smart Mechanics with your car servicing in Essex instead of just anybody. Call us right away or make an online appointment.