Driving long distances is very popular in Australia and the US. Today, the modern development of interstates, new technology, and better vehicles have facilitated road trips in different ways you could enjoy.
However, for those who are not truck drivers and don’t spend most waking moments, the idea of driving long distances can seem challenging. Long-distance trips can be bad for your car if you are not well prepared. Though if you prepare well through the following, nothing bad will happen to your car:
- Inspect Hoses and Belts
Engine hoses and belts are important for keeping your vehicle’s electrical, cooling systems, and power steering functioning properly.
You should inspect them to evaluate if they are cracked or frayed. Belts need to also be tightly installed, so ensure to verify that they are secure.
- Examine the Alignment and Tires
Getting flat tires are among the common reasons, which drivers refer to as roadside assistance. To prevent flat tire disasters, you may ask a professional technician specialized in Frankston smash repairs to inspect your tires and alignment.
Among other things, examining tires include checking the pressure and wear. An over or underinflated tire may result in various problems, like premature wear, blowout, and bumpy ride.
- Check the Fluids Level
Fluids are basically the lifeblood of cars. Service intervals on your vehicle’s six important fluids normally rely on mileage. If you are planning to hit a service milestone mid-trip, you might need to change the oil.
You don’t have to be a car professional to know that oil is important for the engine. It lubricates moving elements, such as the camshaft, pistons, and crankshaft, so as to move without a lot of friction. Before, the ideal interval for oil changes used to be 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but now, drivers need to change after every 7,500 or 10,000 miles. Other fluids to check include:
- Windshield fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Radiator fluid
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Look at the Brakes
Just as worn-out tires make it hard to stop, damaged brake pads might make braking dangerous and scary. Brake pads will require replacement at anywhere between 30,000 and 65,000 miles.
The time to replace your brakes may also depend on various factors, like your vehicle model and driving style.
- Test the Battery
This may seem like a ‘no brainer,’ though most drivers take cars for granted and fail to give them attention until the battery dies. Before you hit the open road this coming summer, be sure to test the battery of your car.
This should include determining how much juice you have left in your battery before leaving. It is not that car batteries are expensive to replace if it dies on you. It is just that you may want to avoid your vehicle shut down when you are many miles away from a nearby service station.
- Wipe the Blades
Your city might not be disposed to a lot of snow or rain, but the town you are going to can be completely different.
Wiping the blades will ensure that your vision is never going to get impaired. A good auto shop may also advise you whether the rubber is viable or needs replacement.
The Bottom Line!
Basically, long-distance drives cannot damage your car. Though your vehicle will wear off each mileage, it accumulates.
If you are not active when it comes to maintenance, it might not even be able to handle long road trips before the engine starts sputtering. This means your car should be all right with frequent long-distance trips if you regularly schedule an appointment with a maintenance service shop.