pre trip car inspection service
Pre-trip vehicle inspection checks the condition of your vehicle's basic components to ensure that it's in good working order and ready to undertake a long journey. Such an inspection will make it possible to find any probable problem which may end up causing breakdowns or hazards during the trip. Thorough inspection before your trip ensures peace of mind, deters unforeseen problems, and heightens the overall safety of your journey.
1. Tyre inspection: The tyre pressure and tread depth on all four tyres, including the spare, must be checked. The tyres have to possess the air pressure desired by the manufacturer, and no cut, bulge or other apparent damage should be there on the tyres. Proper tyre pressure and condition not only make for safe travel but also help in better fuel efficiency.
2. Fluid Levels Check: Check all vital fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and transmission fluid. Low or dirty fluids can result in poor performance and even mechanical failure in the middle of the trip. The fluids need to be topped off or changed when necessary.
3. Battery Check: Clean the battery terminals and ensure the connections are tight. Test the battery for the right amount of charge. A weak or even old battery might fail in the middle of a journey, leaving you broken on the side of the road.
4. Brake System Check: Raise the vehicle and inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid. Tilt the vehicle using a service jack on an appropriate lifting point then check the brake pads, rotors, brake fluid, and brake lines. When the brake pads are worn out you will have these sounds; inspected and replace before embarking on your trip.
5. Lights and Signals: Run all lights headlamps, tail lamps, brake/turn signals, and hazard lights. Light is essential for safety on the roads.
1. Worn Tyres: Poor tread and/or damaged tyres will provide diminished traction, increasing the chance of a blowout on long journeys.
2. Low Fluid Levels: Not enough oil, coolant, or brake fluid can cause overheating of the engine or even cause brake failure; both are serious safety concerns when travelling for an extended period.
3. Weak Battery: It might not retain a charge and sometimes leave you stranded if the car won't start.
4. Faulty Brakes: Bad brakes can reduce stopping power very drastically, leaving you feeling inept in responding during emergency scenarios.
5. Burnt-Out Bulbs: Unfunctional headlights and brake lights may cause reduced visibility and heighten the likelihood of accidents, mainly in low-light conditions.
1. Provision of Emergency Kit: If your car manages to pass through the inspection, ensure that you pack some essential emergency kits on board, such as a spare tyre, jack, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit in case the need arises.
2. Short Test Drive: Take your vehicle for a spin around for a short period. Here, check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or lights coming on on your dashboards.
3. Documentation Check: Ensure your registration information is up-to-date and easily accessible. Also, check and ensure your insurance and roadside assistance are up to date.
4. Plan for Stops: If your journey is miles long, plan stops to look at the tyres on your car, fluids, and check the performance of your car before embarking on the journey.