Road trips can be an exciting opportunity for adventure and maybe something you’re considering after the COVID-19 quarantine ends. Long road trips can be stressful, however—not just for you, but for your car. As it weathers the environment and naturally experiences wear and tear from use, it’ll get worn down. Imagine if you had to sprint non-stop for a few hours. You’d be feeling pretty worse for wear yourself. Luckily, the damage can be mitigated by learning how to prepare your car for a road trip.
Car Detailing
Detailing your car is so much more than a cosmetic improvement. While detailing does leave your car looking refreshed, a proper waxing adds a protective coating that’ll prevent the paint from fading. Proper detailing such as ceramic coatings will ward off rust. Debris and water will have a harder time getting under the paint and corroding your car’s metal and components.
Maintenance Checklist
Since it’s easy to overlook the finer details, formulate a checklist of components and aspects of your car that should be serviced before you leave. Your tires might need air or even replacing. Test that your brake pads are still effective. Ensure your air filters are operating correctly so your engine isn’t clogged with obstructive filth. A routine maintenance check-up from your mechanic can address any of these issues in no time.
Top Off Fluids
While you’re learning how to prepare your car for a road trip, it’s strongly recommended you top off all the fluids in your car before you leave. Gas, oil, coolant, wiper fluid—all of them. These fluids are equivalent to your car’s “blood” and it won’t operate as efficiently when those fluids get low. It’ll also just be one less thing to worry about while you’re on the road if you top off the tank in advance.
Tidy Up
Nothing is worse than being trapped in a filthy car. Give your vehicle a thorough cleaning to clear away any clutter and eliminate odors. Have your engine and other car components cleaned up so that they’re not clogged and are capable of running as well as they can. Your undercarriage is especially vulnerable to rust and damage as it absorbs the most debris, such as salt during the winter.
