From here onwards, the Indian Autos Blog team has decided to come up with useful tips regarding your car and related matters once every week. This we hope will help car owners around the world.
With our tips, you’ll learn how to always do things in the right manner and be in the safest possible situation. Over the next few weeks, we’ll cover topics related to driving.
What Should I Check Routinely Before A Long Drive?
- Make sure that you are carrying all relevant documents concerning the car as well as your driving license.
- Make a quick check on basics- tire pressure, water in the radiator, fuel, etc; basics like these when ignored lead to disasters.
- Always carry a spare wheel, toolbox, fan belt, hosepipe etc…you never know when and where the vehicle may breakdown.
- Are the lights both front and back are functioning properly? no sense taking risks here.
- The number plate should be clean and visible.
- Now this may sound like the most basic stuff, but unfortunately it is generally ignored. Ensure that all doors are properly shut and locked. If your vehicle has a central locking system just snap it on.
- Make sure that visibility through windows is high, soiled, grimy windows are a strict no-no.
- Release the handbrake and check on the ammeter, voltmeter, temperature and fuel meters. Adjust the rear view mirrors
- Ensure that there is nothing under the car. The area in front as well as behind the vehicle should be clutter free as far as possible.
- Check on the brakes by pushing the brake peal firmly when you are at a speed of say 10kmph this will show whether the brakes are in shape or otherwise.
Is there anything else in the list which we missed out? Make it heard on the comments box below!
[...] you start Basic checks were explained completely in the previous article. These are some of the compulsory checks that you need to perform before starting out on a journey. [...]
Both Sushil and George have made very valid points there. George is totally right. Why would someone carry something if he/she isn’t aware of how to use it. Sushil- If the car is serviced regularly, I don’t think there would be a need to do it again before the journey. I guess whatever is done in the service station before a journey, is just checking up the oil, coolant levels, brake, clutch adjustments and air pressure. All those can be done by you
More than essential spares I would say carry a mobile phone and numbers of your cars helpline – more useful than anything else
. Sorry didnt think of this the first time around.
Sufficient rest before long jounrney is a must also one should check the first aid box as well.
Now keeping essential spares is good suggestion, but the driver should always take a trial dismantling and assembling the same as well, otherwise it is of no use.
Nice idea regarding the driving advice IAB. I think a point which may be easier for most people to follow would be to make sure they get their car serviced before the long drive getting all necessary checks done by a trained mechanic and also make sure every essential system is fine like you mentioned.
You touched upon a point about keeping “areas free of clutter” – I would make that very explicit – make sure there is nothing that would foul with the brake/clutch or accelerator pedals or interfere with the drivers control of the car. Also always ensure all passengers buckle up and take great care on the highways of India. Do not over speed or drive rashly – it is very easy to loose control.
There is a very detailed thread on Team bhp on road trip preparations here:
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/owning-car/18258-article-preparation-indian-road-trip.html