9 things to check before your Christmas car trip
Ready or not, Christmas is coming! If you’re like many families, you’ll be taking a road trip to visit loved ones or at least getting away for a fantastic break. At D&C Auto Glass we recommend that before you hit the road, make sure your car is ready for the long journey.
If you are going on a long car trip to all sorts of exciting and remote places in Western Australia, you should ideally have your car serviced, and at the very least, make sure that you have checked these things yourself. Here are some things you’ll want to check before departure.
1. Check your tyres
Make sure your tyres are properly inflated and have enough tread. Also, check that you have no punctures – there is so much building work going on at the moment, and it is easy for a stray nail to get onto the road and put a big hole in your tyre.
Don’t forget to inflate your spare tyre as well, you never know when you will need it.
2. Check your brakes
Brakes are essential for safe driving, so make sure they’re in good condition. If you have any concerns about your car stopping, you should have it checked by a professional immediately.
3. Check your fluid levels
Make sure your car has enough oil, brake fluid, and washer fluid. Your dashboard lights will usually tell you what you need to replenish- don’t ignore the flashing lights on your dashboard, they are there to maintain your car so that it is safe.
4. Check your lights
Make sure all of your lights are in working order, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.
5. Check your wiper blades and replace them if necessary
You don’t want to be caught without functioning wipers! All those bugs and dust and dirt that get stuck on the windscreen need to be wiped away to make sure that you can see clearly through your windscreen.
6. Test your battery
A weak battery can cause all sorts of problems, so it’s best to make sure it’s in good condition before you travel. Batteries don’t last forever, and you don’t want them to be flat when you are out in the bush.
7. Pack an emergency kit
This should include things like a spare tyre that is properly inflated, jumper cables, a torch, and lots of water in case you break down.
8. Make sure you have roadside assistance in place
You never know when you could get stuck or stranded, so it is worth having this put in place before you leave.
9. Check your windscreen for cracks or damage
If you find any cracks, chips or any sort of damage, make sure you get it fixed before you go. D&C Autoglass can be with you on the same day to make sure your car is safe before you go and install your new windscreen.
These are the very basic things you should check before going on a long car trip. By doing so, you can avoid any potential problems and have a great trip. Following these tips before a car trip and on an ongoing basis will help ensure that your car is ready for the long and open road and that you’ll have a safe and enjoyable trip. We hope you enjoy travelling around our beautiful state.
Do you have any concerns about your windscreen or car safety in general?
If so, please call us and will be happy to answer your questions!
