If you’re planning to pack up and head off on a road trip this summer, it’s important to make sure your car is safe and ready for the journey. Follow our checklist and you can feel confident that your car is prepared for whatever the summer has to hold. We recommend completing these checks before any long journey to avoid any issues on the road.
Check The Oil
It’s quick and easy to check your car’s engine oil. Open the bonnet and find the oil dipstick. It should have a brightly coloured handle which makes it easy to spot. Wipe the dipstick clean on a piece of kitchen towel, then replace it in the tube. When you pull the dipstick back out, check the oil line is between the minimum and maximum marks. If it is below halfway between the two, or closer to the minimum mark, we recommend adding some oil.
Open the oil filler cap and using a funnel, carefully top up your oil, adding a little at a time before rechecking the level on the dipstick.
Tyre Pressure
Under or over-inflated tyres can wear more quickly, affect road-handling and could eventually lead to a tyre-related accident. You can find your car’s recommended tyre pressure in the vehicle handbook, on the sill of the driver’s door or sometimes on the fuel cap.
Check your tyres using a tyre pressure gauge at home or at a petrol station. If your tyres need inflating, add a small amount of air at a time. Many petrol stations have coin-operated tyre inflators which make it easy to achieve the correct tyre pressure.
Check Your Spare Tyre
While checking the pressure of your tyres, don’t forget to check your spare tyre too. If you don’t have a spare tyre, carry a tyre repair kit that could help you get going again after a puncture.
Check Engine Coolant
Coolant prevents your engine from overheating. Modern cars will have a dashboard warning light to alert you if coolant levels are low, but you can check this yourself manually too.
Consult your vehicle handbook to find the location of the coolant filler cap and check the level on the side of the tank. If required, top up the coolant.
Refill Washer Fluid
Long summer road trips mean a bug-splattered windscreen, so make sure you have plenty of washer fluid on board to keep your windscreen clean and clear for better visibility when driving. Check the washer fluid level on the side of the tank and use a funnel to top up if required.
Contact Our Team
For added peace of mind on a road trip, why not book your car in for a service with Dell Motor Services? With our help, you can enjoy a safe, happy journey, however many miles you’re covering. Get in touch on 01296 429 123 or use our online enquiry form