1. The coolant
ADVERTISEMENT
10 things to check before you set off on a long road trip
Go through all your lights: indicator, brake, dip, full beam, fog and so on;one by one.
___4515466___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___4515466___2016___1___2___14___CDUNpEOWIAAx2yZ
Recommended articles
Most new radiators have overflow bottles with min/max water levels, which are easy to find.
Older cars fill via the radiator cap.
NEVER open them while the engine's hot or running.
ADVERTISEMENT
Top up with a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze (tap water's OK in a pinch, but add antifreeze later).
2. The tyres
The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre, all the way around.
Less can earn you three points and a £2,500 fine per tyre.
Get the pressures right at a garage - if they're wrong you'll burn more fuel, wear the tyres and suffer poor handling.
ADVERTISEMENT
3. The spare tyre
There's little worse than having to change a wheel, only to find the spare is missing, flat or damaged.
Also check the jack, its handle and the wheel brace are there and fit your car!
4. The engine oil
Without oil your engine will overheat, weld itself together and self-destruct.
ADVERTISEMENT
With the engine cold and the car level, check the dipstick.
Top up as necessary via the cap at the top of the engine, and give the oil time to run down to the sump before rechecking the level.
DON'T overfill.
5. The windscreen washer bottle
It's no fun peering through two arched smears of exploded summer flies – top up your washer bottle before you leave.
ADVERTISEMENT
You can use water, but the stuff in garages contains antifreeze, detergents and, well, smells nice!
6. The lights
Go through all your lights – indicator, brake, dip, full beam, fog and so on – one by one.
Either get a friend to watch for blown bulbs, or park by a white wall or shop window one night to see them yourself.
7. The fan belt
ADVERTISEMENT
Check for cracks in the rubber or excessive play.
A prolonged shrieking while you're driving means either it's loose and slipping, or you've got kids.
8. The hoses
Park up on a patch of tarmac you know is clean, then check underneath for oil or water leaks after a few hours.
Even a small leak can lead to dangerously low fluid levels on a long journey.
ADVERTISEMENT
9. The boot
Is it full of boxes, mouldering sports equipment and a baffling array of junk that's never quite made it into the house?
Now's the time to clear it all out – hauling unnecessary weight wastes fuel.
10. The map
If there isn't one, get one in any decent petrol station or newsagent.
ADVERTISEMENT
Satnavs are great, but a paper map works when it's flat.
Source: mirror.co.uk
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh
Recommended articles
How to make date syrup at home to replace sugar and honey
6 things that happen when you drink something cold on an empty stomach
Here are 6 reasons your girlfriend randomly starts fighting with you
These 6 reasons are why you are always the side chick in every relationship
Unmasking the fake Mr Beast Casino App
Guinness Accravaganza unveils a multi-artsy sensory menu for its third edition this Saturday
8 things that seem normal but are actually sexual harassment
All you need to know about sextortion and why you could get jailed for it
