Going on a road trip or any other kind of travel that involves your vehicle can be made much more fun and safe if your vehicle is in good shape to start with. As such, it’s a good idea for you to prepare your car well before you set out. Read on to see four ways in which you can prepare your car to make sure there’s a lower likelihood of having a breakdown.
1. Check and Change the Oil
The oil quality and level in your vehicle should be correct if you want to make your car roadworthy. For this, it’s important to understand that oil needs to be changed once every 3,000 miles for short trips in the city that entail a lot of stop-and-go driving, especially when the weather is cold. For driving on the motorway, you should change your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. With your car’s oil at the right levels and in the best condition, you can be sure that your car will function considerably better.
2. Clean Your Vehicle Thoroughly
Another important thing for you to do is to clean your vehicle thoroughly. Doing this can help you to spot any issues such as scratches and dents. Even if your vehicle doesn’t have dents, it will be a lot more appealing if you clean it regularly and thoroughly. Before you travel, you can take it to a professional for thorough cleaning so that both inside and outside are sparkling. Roughly 66% of Americans wash their car between one and two times a month, according to Car Wash Country. This may be enough for vehicles in most parts of the nation, with some other areas requiring more frequent washing or even less. Cleaning your car before you travel can help you be comfortable while you travel, and this is something that’s worth paying for.
3. Service the Vehicle
Remember also to service your vehicle so that you can set out on the best foot. For a BMW, the service intervals range from once every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or at least once every year. Servicing your vehicle enables you to make sure that the vehicle is road worthy and that it’s not likely to break down when you least expect it to. Even if you’ve serviced your vehicle a short while before, it’s still a good idea for you to take it for a quick tune-up to make sure that there’s no hidden issue. This will be entirely worth it to do, so have your mechanic have a good look at your vehicle to make sure that it’s in good shape.
4. Rotate the Tires
Last but not least, it’s a good idea for you to rotate the tires of your vehicle every now and then. Doing so ensures that the tires last for a longer time thanks to wearing out evenly. It can also keep you safe while you travel by giving your vehicle more stability and a better grip. A professional can help you to rotate your tires the right way and also give you insights on the frequency with which to rotate the wheels. With some basic information, you can soon learn how to check whether your tires need to be rotated and rotate them the right way.
Make sure that your car is safe and comfortable for your travels with these four tips. You’ll be proud of having a beautiful and efficient car on the road. When you know that there’s a lower chance of breakdowns occurring, you could also be able to drive a lot more confidently and avoid issues.