Traveling on a Business trip with boss: Lookout for these 5 Essential Car Maintenance Tips  

Traveling on a Business trip with boss: Lookout for these Essential Car Maintenance Tips 
 

Planning a long road trip is exciting, but ensuring your car is ready for the long haul is essential. Nothing can derail your travels faster than a breakdown mile from anywhere. Therefore, performing critical maintenance checks and services before embarking on your journey can give you peace of mind that you’ll arrive safely at your destination. This article will discuss essential car maintenance tips for long trips. 

1. Remote control parking bollards 

Before starting a long journey, have your control parking bollards installed in your vehicle. They are not only suitable for both indoor and outdoor use but also increase the convenience when parking. 

Again, checking the parking bollards’ status will go a long way to make your trip excellent. Therefore, ensure the remote control parking bollards are functioning well to avoid the headache of parking. Since the parking-bollards come with a rechargeable battery, confirming that it is fully charged before stepping outside is good. This will make it convenient for you to operate in the comfort of your chair. 

2. Car Maintenance By Checking All Fluids 

One of the easiest things you can do to prepare your car for a road trip is to check all fluid levels. Be sure to check you’re: 

• Oil – Oil should be changed per the manufacturer’s recommendations, usually every 5,000-7,500 miles. Carefully check the dipstick to ensure the oil is at the proper fill line. 
• Coolant – Coolant should appear clear and free of debris. Check your car’s coolant overflow reservoir when the engine is cold. The coolant should be filled between the “min” and “max” lines. 
• Transmission fluid – Transmission fluid level can be checked through the dipstick in the transmission reservoir. The car should be running when you check the transmission fluid. 
• Brake fluid – Brake fluid should be checked through the reservoir cap in the engine bay. Ensure you fill the Fluid to the “max” line. 
• Windshield washer fluid – Fill up your reservoir and ensure your wipers are in good working order before a long trip. 

Checking all fluids takes just a few minutes but goes a long way in preventing breakdowns from low fluid levels. Be sure to top up any low fluids before hitting the road. 

3. Inspect Belts & Hoses For Optimal Car Maintenance

A broken belt or hose on the highway can quickly leave you stranded. Inspect the belts and hoses under your hood, looking out for cracked, brittle, or flattened hoses. Check belts for cracked or frayed edges. If anything looks worn, have it replaced by a trusted mechanic before your trip. 

4. Ensure To Check Battery & Cables For Car Maintenance 

A weak battery is another common reason for breakdowns. Visit your nearest local auto parts store and have them test your battery to ensure it is adequately charged. While checking the battery, inspect the terminal connections and cables for corrosion and damage. Clean any rust or corrosion with a wire brush or baking soda/water solution. 

5. Inspect Tires 

Well-inflated tires with adequate tread depth are critical for a long trip. Ensure you use a tire pressure gauge to check that all tires are inflated to the PSI recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. This info is in the owner’s manual or the driver’s side door jamb placard. Examine tires for any cuts, bulges, or uneven tread wear.  

Minimum recommended tread depth is 4/32″, but more worn tires may need to be replaced before a long trip. Be sure to check your spare tire as well – nothing can ruin a road trip faster than a flat tire and no good spare! 

6. Car Maintenance By Check Lights  

It’s vital that all exterior lights – headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights – function properly for safe nighttime driving. Recruit a helper to turn signals and brake lights on and off while you observe which bulbs need to be replaced. Check all lights before extended night driving. 

7. Service Brakes 

Stop-and-go driving on a road trip puts added strain on brake pads. Inspect brake pads visually through the spokes of your tires or have them measured by a mechanic to determine the remaining pad depth. Generally, you should replace them at 2-3mm or less.  Also, check brake rotors for grooves and have them resurfaced or replaced if worn. Performing these services eliminates brake noise/squealing and ensures the strongest braking power possible during travel. 

8. Check Alignment  

Proper wheel alignment helps decrease uneven tire wear by ensuring tires meet the road evenly when rolling down the pavement. Misaligned wheels can lead to a shimmying sensation in the steering wheel or pull to one side. Have a mechanic check and adjust the alignment if you feel any vibration or tugging when the steering wheel is level. Proper alignment equals better gas mileage, too. 

9. Inspect Wiper Blades 

Pesky summer thunderstorms have likely affected your windshield wipers, leaving them cracked and worn. Inspect each wiper blade – they should appear firm and undamaged along the entire length. Replace any wiper blades that are hardened, broken, or leave streaks during use. Fresh wiper blades give you the clearest possible view during inclement weather. 

10. Check Safety Kit Supplies 

While preventative maintenance gets your car road-ready, stocking critical supplies provides added security. Check expiration dates and replenish any depleted products in your emergency roadside kit, including bottled water, tire inflator, flashlight, and emergency flares. 

These simple but critical supplies will keep you safe and comfortable until help can arrive in the event of a breakdown in a remote area. 

Conclusion 

With diligent planning and preventative maintenance, you can hit the open road confident that your car will get you to your destination and back without issue. Don’t let poor preparations rain on your road trip – follow these key tips so that you’re road-ready for smooth travels and maximum fun. Check each maintenance item off your list, and let the adventure begin!