Road Trip Checklist: What to Check Before a Long Drive Outside the City

Travelling is an effective way to escape from the monotony of mechanical life. Exciting adventures on the open road or in the natural environment, surrounded by mountains and rivers, bring a sense of peace. However, if you plan a long road trip or a long drive outside the city, you need to make some preparations. On the way, the vehicle's engine may break down, the fuel may run out, the tyre may puncture, and you may also face legal complications if the vehicle's documents are not up to date. Therefore, if you do not make adequate preparations, the joyous trip can be ruined in an instant.

It is essential to check the condition of your motor vehicle, braking system, tyres, battery, first aid kit, gadgets, dry food, legal documents, etc., before a long trip. This blog discusses in detail what you must check before going on a long drive outside the city.

Things to do before a long road trip outside the city

1. Check the engine condition of the motor vehicle

The engine of the motor vehicle is the most essential part. If there is a problem with the engine, it can take time to findout, and in many cases, it is also expensive. Before going on a road trip or long drive, have a professional mechanic check the vehicle's engine. Check the engine oil, coolant level, AC, etc. Check if the motor is overheating. If the brake fluid level is not correct, the brakes can fail.

2. Check the tyre pressure

If the tyre pressure and grip are incorrect, there is a risk of accidents. Check the tyre tread depth. If the tyres are worn out, they can slip in the rain, on muddy roads, and on hilly roads. Pump air into the tyres to the measurements specified in the vehicle manual, as both excess and low tyre pressure are harmful on highways.

3. Check the braking system

It is crucial to have a top-notch braking system on a long road trip. If in doubt, seek the help of a professional mechanic. If you hear unusual noises or feel excessive shock while braking, you should get it serviced. Check the brake pads and disc brakes. Change the brake pads if they are thin.

4. Check the battery health

If the car stops due to the battery during a long trip, you will be in big trouble. Check the battery's voltage and condition 1-2 days before leaving for the trip. It is better to change the battery if it is old. Check the battery terminals and cables, clean them, and ensure the connections are correct.

5. Check the lighting system

If you go on a long trip, you may have to drive at night. So check the headlights, tail lights, turn indicators, etc. Lights are essential not only for your own safety, but also for the safety of other vehicles and pedestrians. In addition, a sound lighting system is vital in rain and bad weather. Before going on a trip, check the bulbs, lenses, high and low beams, and brake lights.

6. Keep a first aid kit with you

Place the necessary medicines, personal regular medicines, antiseptic (Savlon), thermometer, bandage, sanitizer, etc., in the first-aid box. If required, you can keep painkillers, motion sickness tablets, masks, aerosols, scissors, etc.

7. Check the wipers and windshield

Wipers and windshields are very useful in Bangladesh's weather. Wipers come in handy in fog or rain. However, there is a lot of dust and sand on Bangladesh's roads, so wiper blades wear out quickly. Fill the washer tank before going on a trip. Keep the windshield clean.

8. Keep legal documents updated

You must keep the vehicle's legal papers and driving license with you. Before going on a trip, keep the vehicle's blue book, registration papers, insurance papers, fitness certificate, tax token, etc., up to date.

9. Carry some essential toolkits

Keep jumper cables, wheel spanners, rechargeable torches, pencil batteries, raincoats, umbrellas, extra cables, extra fuses, extra engine oil, duct tape, basic mechanical toolset, screwdriver set, etc., with the vehicle as needed.

10. Carry dry food and personal items

Keep dry food and water with you on long journeys. You can carry dry foods like biscuits, chocolates, saline, glucose, and nuts. You can carry personal items such as a power bank, a multi-plug, sunglasses, tissues, etc.

Some extra tips

If the engine suddenly breaks down in the middle of the road, a mechanic may not be available immediately. In this case, if you have some mechanical knowledge, you can fix common problems yourself. If necessary, get your motor vehicle serviced before the road trip.

1. Keep a spare tyre with you.

2. Keep a jack, wrench, and tyre repair kit with you.

3. Check the vehicle's horn.

4. Test the car's lock-unlock.

5. Check the air conditioning system.

6. Keep the navigation on during long trips.

7. Check the seatbelt and hoses.

8. Take a break for at least 15 minutes every few hours.

9. You can keep a reflective jacket, a tyre inflator or pump, and a reflective triangle, which will come in handy if you get stuck somewhere.

Final Thought

A common problem on the road can turn your joy into a nightmare. Take some time to check everything, from the vehicle's engine to its emergency documents. Careful preparation will make your trip memorable and enjoyable. This road trip checklist will protect you and your family from unexpected dangers on the long journey, and make the trip exciting. This checklist will give you confidence before going on a long drive or road trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the essential things to check in a motor vehicle before a road trip or long drive?

Engine condition, tyre pressure, brake system, battery condition, lighting system, first aid kit, legal documents, etc., are essential to check.

2. How to check tyres before going on a long drive?

Check the tyre tread depth. If the tyres are worn, they can slip on rainy, muddy, or hilly roads. Pump air into the tyres to the measurements mentioned in the vehicle manual.

3. What emergency toolkit should you keep with your motor vehicle on a road trip or long drive?

Keep jumper cables, wheel spanners, rechargeable torches, pencil batteries, raincoats, umbrellas, extra cables, extra fuses, extra engine oil, duct tape, basic mechanical toolset, etc. with your vehicle.

4. What should be in a first aid kit for a long trip?

Place the necessary medicines, personal regular medicines, antiseptics, Savlon, bandages, sanitizers, etc., in the first-aid box. If required, you can keep painkillers, motion sickness tablets, masks, aerosols, etc.

5. What legal documents should you keep with the motor vehicle?

Before going on a trip, keep the vehicle's blue book, registration papers, insurance papers, fitness certificates, tax tokens, etc., up to date.