To get ready for a long drive and help ensure your safety, it’s highly recommended that you check the following:
- Windscreen (ensure clear visibility, no dirt or smudges)
- Tyres (especially look for worn out areas, cuts and other defects)
- Engine oil, coolant, windscreen washer reservoir (to help maintain visibility all day and all night)
- Battery
- Headlights and other indicators (see if everything lights up and there’s nothing burnt out)
- Brakes (no squealing noises when you use them)
You can have expert mechanics do the inspection for you. They can pinpoint small problems that might lead to serious ones while you’re on the road. They can also help make sure that your automobile is in its top condition so that you’ll have a more efficient and smoother ride.
Driving in the rain
Aside from doing the inspection as mentioned above, it’s also good to get yourself ready in case the weather gets unpleasant. For better preparation and extra care, you should inspect the following (or have a mechanic do it for you):
- Tyre tread (> 1.5mm deep across the whole tyre width)
- Windscreen and lights are clean
- All your car’s lights work well
In other words, it’s about avoiding skidding and ensuring decent visibility while you drive in the rain.
Also follow the following practices for road safety during wet weather:
- Driving slowly (road slippery and the brake’s power might not be enough to stop you on time)
- Doubling the distance between you and the car in front (more than enough space because road is slippery)
- Driving with your lights on low beam (so you can see better in fog)
- Keeping your windscreen free of condensation by turning on your air conditioner or demister (removing mist)
- Avoiding roads covered with water (there might be holes or obstacles there in the water)
- Avoiding sudden turns, acceleration and braking (reduce skidding)
Whether it’s pleasant or unpleasant weather, your car’s function and road safety depend on what you do and whether your car is at its top condition or not (e.g. brakes and lights work properly). It’s always recommended to have your car checked by a mechanic before a long drive, especially if your automobile hasn’t undergone servicing for several months or years already.
