A long journey can put cars under a degree of pressure which is not experienced during weekly trips to work and school ect. This is a short guide of 10 easy tips which can go along way in preventing any mishaps which can occur during a long journey.
Consulting the Car Manual
The car manual can give the driver basic information about the car. For instance, the level of tire pressure required, how to change a tire and various other information about the car set up. Reading the manual can also relieve nervous drivers of stress, as they will be confident of being able to solve or prevent problems when they arise.
Check Tire Pressure
Driving with flat tires is dangerous as the car becomes harder to control. To check the cars air pressure specification, either check the car manual or check the manufacturers label, which can be found in the driver’s door opening, glove box or boot. Then using a gauge which can be found at many petrol stations, check the current level and then fill to desired level if necessary.
GPS
A frequently published statistic is that a lot of accidents occur less than 5 miles from your house, perhaps as many as a third. Although this is true, it is probably a reflection on that people do a lot of their driving near to their house, and the more telling statistic is that two thirds of accidents happen away from their house. The chance of an accident can be decreased when the driver is familiar with their surroundings. The GPS will make the driver aware of their surroundings, it guides them on how to get from A to B, it can also inform the driver of the placement of speed cameras and inform them of any traffic updates. Be sure to check for map updates before departing.
Map
The map has not been superseded completely by the GPS. GPS can lose signal in certain circumstances, for example indoors, near tall buildings and in extreme weather conditions. A trusty map can serve as a reliable safety net.
Documents
Proof of insurance and roadside assistance. Check that you are insured before you depart on your journey and that you keep the documents somewhere safe such as the glove compartment. It is illegal not to have insurance, also have it clear in your mind the type of cover you have. Some policies include roadside assistance, if yours doesn’t then consider becoming a member of a motor club such as the RAC or the AA.
Drinking Water and Food
Food and drink ensures the driver remains properly hydrated and sufficiently energized during the wears and tears of a long journey. It can also be essential in cases of emergency, waiting for several hours for road assistance can be horrendous and potentially dangerous without them.
Full Fuel Tank
A surprising amount of people run out of petrol every year on British motorways. The Highway Agency put the number at 15000. The easiest way to fill up is at the start of your journey at a fuel station that you know, rather than waiting till you have very little fuel and hoping to stumble upon a fuel station in an unfamiliar area.
Check Oil and Filter
A lack of oil changes can result in a variety of engine problems. To check the engine oil: start the engine in order for it to warm up, and then turn it off. Wait for a while in order for the oil to pour down the oil pan. Open the bonnet and pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean and then return it. Pull it out again check the level, it should be close to the full mark. If the oil is very low fill it up with the same oil which is already there, if the oil is very black then it most likely needs to be changed.
Coolant Level(engine anti freeze)
A lack of coolant on the road can cause the engine to overheat which results in serious damage to it. To check it locate the coolant tank, the level of coolant should be in between the min and max marks. If it is running low fill it up with the coolant which is suitable for the car and mix it with water.
Consider service
Even if your car has passed its MOT, problems with the car may have developed since, or may not have been bad enough to cause a failure but still worth spending money on to sort out. Many garages offer different forms of services for your car, a full service should reassure you that the car is capable of doing a long journey successfully.
Written by Quadriga Cars, a luxury London car club.
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