It is important to do a 10-point safety check before every long trip. These safety checks are specially designed to help drivers identify potential issues with their rides so they can get these issues sorted before they leave. If you do a safety check and get all of your car issues fixed, your journey is bound to be a lot safer and more comfortable
Here is a quick look at how to do a quick 10-point safety check before you start loading your vehicle for the trip.
01. Inspect the Tyre
One of the very first things you will want to do is inspect your tyres. Getting a flat isn’t too dramatic but it is no fun to struggle to change a tyre on a busy road.
Check the threading on your tyres to see if there is still plenty of wear left. You can also check for uneven wear since this can mean that your wheel alignment is off and will need to be re-aligned. If the front or back tyres are more worn down then it might be best to get all the tyres rotated.
Remember to also inspect the spare tyre and check the air pressure level of all your wheels before you go.
02. Test The Brakes
Your brakes are a crucial safety feature. Go for a drive and lay on the brakes a little harder than usual. Do you notice any odd noises? If yes then you should get your brakes inspected or the brake pads changed. If you brake intensely and the car starts skidding without stopping then you should also get the ABS checked. Ideally, your brakes should never lock into place. Instead, they should constantly lock and release if you brake intensely.
03. Inspect The Windscreen And Wipers
Give your windscreen a good deep clean and inspect it for cracks or chips. These chips should be filled out with a windscreen repair kit so they won’t get too large. You can also check the windscreen wipers and make sure that they are still working properly and in good condition.
04. Test Out The Aircon
Driving without an air conditioner isn’t too dangerous but it does make a pretty big difference in comfort. A more refreshing cabin temperature can keep you from feeling too tired too quickly and will prevent family disputes, frustration, and heat stroke on your trip.
05. Inspect The Mirrors
Grab a cloth and clean all of your mirrors. Now inspect them all and adjust them properly so you can see well on the sides and behind your ride.
06. Inspect The Lights
Do a proper light inspection and test the headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, and the interior ceiling light of your car. If the lights have an issue the bulbs or a fuse might need replacing.
07. Check The Fluids
Check all the fluid levels in your car. The oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluids should all be checked and topped up. Driving with low fluid levels can be terrible for your car and is very likely to result in terrible damage to the engine.
08. Inspect The Seatbelts And Chairs
Test all of the seat belts in your vehicle and check all the chairs. You can also test all the baby seats or booster seats and make sure that these are properly installed.
09. Check The Tool Kit
Every car needs a small tool kit with emergency tools that can help you change a flat, jumpstart your car, or change a fuse. It is also helpful to include a couple of basic survival tools in your tool kit such as scissors, a pocket knife, and a flashlight or two.
10. Prepare An Emergency Kit
It is always good to have an emergency kit ready for your trip. The kit should include some basic tools, a first-aid kit, jumpers, and the contact number for emergency roadside assistance.
If you notice any electrical or mechanical issues with your car then you should give A-Plus Auto Electrical and Air Conditioning a call. We can repair any issues with the air conditioner or electrical components in your car for you and we can assist with a great many mechanical issues. Our mobile mechanics are also happy to come to your location in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs, Preston to help you prep for your big trip.