Traveling long distances can be a horrific experience if your car is not maintained properly. Here’s OkayKer’s list of the top eight things you must keep in mind before traveling long distances in your vehicle. We at OkayKer suggest you keep a check on these aspects of your car periodically to elongate your car’s engine life and quality to save it from extra wear and tear which you can reduce to an extent. If your busy and hectic schedule does not allow you to then OkeyKer’s Gurus are just a call away!

Engine Oil

The engine oil comes at the top of our list as without the right quantity and grade of oil your car’s not going to function because without lubrication movement of all the components of your engine isn’t possible. Not just this it also helps in cooling by reducing the temperature of heated parts involved in the combustion process. In addition, it also keeps the engine clean by making sure combustion residue does not deposit in your engine. We recommend engine oil change after every 4800 kilometers and your engine oil filter along with it.

Radiator Health

The second most important component is the radiator which helps in the regulation of your engine’s temperature and prevents your car from malfunctioning. So, make sure you fill it with genuine radiator fluid and close your radiator cap tightly.

Vehicle Fluids

Vehicle fluids include a variety of fluids like radiator fluid (which is a mix of the recommended coolant for your car and water), brake oil fluid which must always be leveled till the full point labeled on the brake oil container, and power steering fluid which must be changed if it has turned into a brownish or foamy liquid.

Electrical Components

Electrical components you must be concerned about include your car’s proximity sensor, taillights, headlights, and fog lights. If anyone of the lights is not functioning properly the driver behind you or in front of you is likely to get confused. The proximity sensor starts beeping upon coming to close with another object. Hence make sure all of them are working properly to avoid any unwanted accidents.

Brakes

If your car is taking more than the usual time it takes to stop or if your steering starts vibrating upon applying the brakes, we suggest you need to check your brake pads and your brake fluid level as well.

Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is usually listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door which must always be between the range of 28 to 32 PSI. Driving with under-inflated tires makes your tires wear out quicker and can lead to loss of vehicle control at very high speeds. Whereas, an over-inflated tire reduces the ride quality and is the reason behind uneven wear and tear of your tires. Therefore, always be sure of the tire pressure before going on a longer route.

Suspension

The suspension of your vehicle plays a vital role in providing the driver and the passengers of the comfort that is required when traveling long distances. Damage to a car’s suspension will impact its axle as well, and if the axle of a car breaks the car will not be able to move from its location.

Emergency Tool Kit

We recommend you always be prepared for a car breakdown by keeping an emergency tool kit especially if you do not maintain your car regularly. The following equipment is a must-have:

i- Jumper cables

ii- Tow rope

iii- First aid kit

iv- Reflective warning triangle

v- Gloves

vi- Flashlight

vii- Fire extinguisher

We hope reading this has provided you with a checklist of things you should do and the necessary equipment you will be needing in order to stay safe and enjoy your journey.