Our TOP 10 Road Trip Maintenance Must-Do’s.

If a road trip is part of your holiday plan or you are driving to your holiday destination. Now is a good time to check your car. Our TOP 10 Road Trip Maintenance Checklist is a must-do if you want to avoid possible breakdown disappointment! Being stranded beside the road is no one’s idea of a good time.

Our simple Top 10 Road Trip Maintenance Checklist can easily be done by anyone with a small working knowledge of cars. Alternatively, use our Road Trip Maintenance Checklist as a guide and book your car in with your mechanic.

During holiday periods the police presence on our roads is substantially greater. Not only to reduce speeding and dangerous driving, which we applaud. They are also checking car safety to ensure cars are roadworthy. Non-roadworthy cars cause accidents. Another good reason to check out the Road Trip Maintenance Checklist.

TOP 10 ROAD TRIP MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

1. Brakes – check the fluid level and brake pad condition. Both are critical to safety.
2. Tyres – check the tread depth and ensure it complies. Minimum tread depth is 1.5 to 1.6 mm. Critical to safety.
3. Oil – check and/or change, oil is what lengthens the life of your engine and gives you better fuel economy.
4. Lights – check all bulbs are working, brakes, indicators, head lights etc. Critical to safety and potential loss of points and a fine if the police pull you over.
5. Windscreen wipers –  summer heat and storms are harsh on windscreen wipers. Check for rubber deterioration and replace if necessary.
6. Coolant – the magic that keeps your radiator from overheating, top up if below the maximum level.
7. Air Filter – a clogged filter is like running with your hand over your mouth. Twelve months is the lifetime of a filter.
8. Battery – check terminal points are clean of corrosion of engine grime. As a guide, a battery lasts from 48 to 60 months. Follo manufacturer’s specifications when replacing.
9. Power Steering Fluid – this lubricates the system that keeps the feel of the steering even. Any sense of sticking indicates a top-up is needed.
10. Fuel Filter – maintains the length of engine life, fuel efficiency and is always on duty whenever your car is running. Life expectancy is 2 years.

Conclusion

If you are planning a road trip or are driving to a holiday destination this Easter make sure your car is in a roadworthy condition. Use our simple Road Trip Maintenance Checklist as a guide. If doing the checks yourself is not your thing take your car to your mechanic and he/she will have it done in no time.For a small investment in your time and a few dollars, your holiday will be less stressful and safer.

Happy motoring and holidays!