How to Prepare Your Vehicle for a Long Distance Trip

Driving long distances is a good tactic to test your vehicle's performance. At the same time, you can explore the landscape and make a few adventurous stops before you arrive at your destination. Nonetheless, your car must be in excellent shape to handle the trip. Long trips might reveal various issues in your vehicle, and you may not be near your mechanic while on the road.

Preparation is key to getting the best out of your vehicle during a long drive. The rules of regular maintenance may not work when the pressure on your vehicle exceeds normal levels. This piece discusses several areas that need your attention as you prepare for a long drive. 

Brake fluid check

The function of your entire braking system hinges upon the hydraulic fluid. This fluid amplifies the force you exert on the brake pedal and ensures it is enough to generate pressure. The pressure then forces your brake pads to stop the vehicle through friction. Any problems with the braking fluid can lead to catastrophic failures in your braking system.

Long trips may amplify minor issues with your brake fluid even before the scheduled maintenance date. For example, low brake fluid levels are easy to ignore if only you cover a few kilometres a day. This problem might become a significant issue if you put the braking system under intense pressure during a long drive. As such, ensure the brake fluid is at the right level before you embark on a long trip. 

Transmission fluid check

Like your brake fluid, the transmission fluid is critical in the performance of an entire system. Small leaks throughout the system might not be noticeable if you only drive a few kilometres daily. Nevertheless, what happens when your vehicle handles the same distance it covers in a month in just a day? The strain on your transmission fluid, overheating issues and leakages can cause catastrophic system failures. 

For example, duties of the automatic transmission fluid such as conditioning the gasket, cooling, ensuring fluid pressure and maintaining lubrication are challenging when fluid levels are low. The trip might put too much strain and require vital components in your transmission to perform more than usual. The best approach is to check the level of your transmission fluid and top up before your trip.

Driving modes

Ensure all systems are ready for any adjustments you make to the car during the journey. Some advanced features only function optimally when the braking, transmission, suspension, and other systems work correctly. So, what should you investigate?

Long trips may present different weather conditions and prompt you to use a system such as traction control. The braking system must be in perfect shape if you rely heavily on your traction control during snowy conditions. Traction control applies brakes to tyres as they slip. Therefore, ensure you check all your driving modes, including eco, comfort and other technologies you may require during the trip. 

Supplies

Your vehicle might be in excellent shape after clearing the aforementioned checks. However, how do you prepare for unforeseen circumstances? The best way is to get a few supplies to help you through any emergencies. First, ensure your car jack is functional and well-lubricated. Check the state of the spare tyre and stock up on a few tyre repair items. 

In addition, some of your fluids may run low if there is an undetected leakage and the systems overheat and cause the liquid to evaporate. The rule is to purchase essential fluids such as engine coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid. Top up such fluids whenever you witness any sudden declines in their levels during your trip. 

Vehicles are like most machines that react differently to different levels of usage. Long trips might cause unusual issues, which you should evaluate before travelling. At Stopmaster Brake Service, we can assist you in readying your car for your next trip. Adequate preparation ensures that your vehicle performs optimally and guarantees your safety. Contact us today.