Going on holiday by car? 4 essential checks before hitting the road.

Before going on vacation, you should take a tour of your car to make sure everything is in order and that there are no unpleasant surprises in the bend. It is therefore necessary to make sure that everything works perfectly, from the brakes to the headlights, including the tires and even the windshield wipers.

Flat tires, empty batteries, engine failure: almost one in two motorists has already had a more or less serious breakdown on their holiday, according to an opinionWay study by car rental specialist Enterprise. Plus, nearly one in five don’t even bother checking the condition of their vehicle before they leave. However, a real check-up of your car is essential to be able to leave with peace of mind.

Master everything possible

Before driving, check the level of all fluids (oil, brakes, cooling, windshield washer). Ditto for the lights (headlamps and indicators). It is also necessary to ensure that the windshield does not have an impact, as it can crack during the journey. When in doubt, it is also advisable to clean the filters or replace them if necessary and to check certain elements such as the brake pads or the spark plugs. If in doubt, do not hesitate to call on a professional a few days before departure.

Pump up the tires

For everyone’s safety, it is necessary to check the tire pressure (and the spare wheel). For long journeys, it is recommended that you inflate your tires to a slightly higher pressure than normal. It is also necessary to monitor their wear using the indicators placed directly on them, the small rubber ridges in the main grooves of the tire. If they are too worn, don’t hesitate to replace them.

Photo: Shutterstock

Protect yourself from the sun

If all goes well, the sun will shine on the road on the day of the big departure. It is also essential to bring glasses, for yourself and your passengers, as well as to apply sunscreen. During breaks, also remember to protect the stationary car with a sun visor, so that the air in the cabin does not choke and the steering wheel gets hot. Before departure, it is also better to check that the air conditioning is working properly.

Properly distribute your luggage

Who says vacation, says baggage. This is likely the time of year when the vehicle is heavily loaded. It is therefore important to distribute the weight well to avoid an imbalance that can lead to tire wear, especially at the rear. That is why the roof box can sometimes be useful. Finally, the bicycles must be secured perfectly, on the roof or in the rear, and make sure that the number plate, lights and indicators are not hidden.

To go on holiday with peace of mind, here are 3 natural and effective tips to prevent motion sickness.

(ETX Daily Up)

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