How to prepare your car for a long road trip

The Philippines has at least 15 national holidays (both regular and special) that usually occur near the weekend and can be an opportunity for you to finally take that dream vacation with your family. If you own a car, using it to travel to your destination is generally better than commuting on public transport as you can pack more items and enjoy the route’s scenery at your leisure.

But before you put on that Hawaiian shirt and get those travel bags on your car’s roof rack, you might want to assess how prepared you are for your journey. Below are some tips from Carmudi PH on how you can prepare your car for a long road trip:

Remember BLOWBAG

A long road trip is a serious test on your car's parts, so you must ensure that it is in the best condition ever. Some of the important parts of the car that you must check are defined by the acronym BLOWBAG which means- battery, lights, oil, water, brakes, air and gas.

Battery

Make sure that your battery still has enough juice in it and is still in good condition. An OK battery shows no corrosion and is still tight. While it is hard to tell when your battery may die, one clear indicaton is when the engine cranks slower when you start the car. This will tell you that its lifespan is near its end. If your car is about 4 to 5 years old and is showing this symptom, consider replacing it before going on that trip to the countryside.

Lights

Make sure that all light related equipment on your car is working, and not just your headlamps and rear lamps. Other important lights in your car include fog lamps, turn signal lamps, high mount stop lamp and daytime saving lamps. If your headlamp is dirty, clean it or replace it so you can have better road visibility, especially when travelling during the night.

Oil

One of the most important liquids that is inside your car is the engine oil. It must have the right volume and viscosity, especially if you are travelling longer than usual. To test if your oil is still in good condition, use the “dipstick test”. The oil level must be near “full” and it should have a consistency similar to honey. If your engine oil flunks either of these requirements, consider replacing it while you still have the chance.

Water

It seems everything needs to “cool down” this summer, even your car. To prevent your engine from overheating, water is essential for long travels. If you are travelling to a very far flung area, it may be necessary to carry your own supply of water for your engine, especially if the place has very few gasoline stations where you can replenish your supply.

Brakes

One of the main causes of road accidents is the failure of the brakes to stop the car at the right moment before the collision. For this not to happen, make sure that your brake pads are not wore down. While you can do this on your own, we recommend that you have them inspected by a mechanic or repair shop. Other parts that should be checked (if not fixed) include your drivetrain components and suspension.

Prior to your long trip, if you are experiencing popping noises then one of your suspension components may be loose. Also take a look at the following questions to see if you need a trip to the service center or repair shop: Does your car wander from side to side when travelling at highway speeds? Does your steering wheel feel unaligned in the center? When you drive straight, does your car pull to the side?

Air

Improperly inflated tires not only increase your risk of a blow out, but they also reduce your fuel economy. Before heading out, check your tire pressure. If you have a tire pressure monitoring system, make sure that you take note when it lights up. Consult your car user manual and adjust your tire pressure accordingly.

Gas

Just like humans, cars can’t go on an empty stomach. If you are planning on travelling for hundreds of kilometers, make sure your car has a full tank. If possible, check online to see if there is an adequate amount of gas stations where you can refuel on route.

Emergency Kit

Aside from the customary BLOWBAG, another important preparation for a long trip is your car’s emergency kit. This should have everything in case an emergency presents itself. It must have the basics: power bank (so you can charge your mobile phone), medical kit, extra snacks and hydration containers.

Other items that must be in your car include jumper cables, spare fuses, road flares, a battery powered warning light, a reflective hazard triangle, a properly inflated spare tire, jack, lug wrench, a tire gauge, ropes, rags and rain ponchos. If you are traveling off-road you should also bring a shovel and some bags of sand so you can get out of ditches easily.

Prepare yourself

But more than the car, you, the driver, must also be prepared. Make sure that you get plenty of sleep and have eaten enough so you can stay focused during the long road trip. Make sure that you have your route mapped out and have contingency plans should you encounter any problems.