Weekends are for traveling. This is our life motto. If the trip means traveling along beautiful scenery that helps your mind relax, then there is nothing better. A road trip from Houston to the Texas Hill Country promises a one-of-a-kind, memorable trip. Can you imagine a better weekend than this?
But, yes, there is a “but”; there are issues that you need to resolve before going on that amazing trip. These issues are related to your vehicle. You cannot just get up and go. You need to make sure that the vehicle you are using is able to drive far without any hitch.
Firstly, you can go and search for an auto repair shop near me to see options from where you can get your car checked for the long road trip. If you are willing to do the checkup yourself, keep reading. We may have just the right recommendations for you.
For a smooth and enjoyable journey, it’s important to get your car ready for the drive properly. Below, we are giving you a checklist to get your car ready for the trip:
1. Inspection and Maintenance for Road Trip
Before you go on the weekend road trip, it’s important that you check your car thoroughly, preferably inspected by a qualified mechanic. If you are doing it yourself, the following points will help. This inspection should cover the following:
Oil Change
Oil change is a very crucial step. First of all, make sure that your vehicle has fresh oil to keep the engine running smoothly. If you already added new oil recently, then just check the level of oil from the rod to see if it is just the right amount.
Brake Inspection
Also, check the brakes for wear and tear. If you find worn brake pads or rotors, you should replace them. Consult a specialist if you do not know how to make sense of it.
Tire Check
Maybe this one will not be easy for you, but definitely ask the expert to Inspect tires for proper tread depth, inflation, and damage of any kind and level. Don’t forget to check the spare tire as well.
Fluid Levels
Check all essential fluids in your car. These fluids include:
- Coolant
- transmission fluid
- brake fluid
- windshield washer fluid
Battery Test
In addition to the above, ensure the battery is in good condition, and the terminals are clean. This will be extremely helpful.
Air Filter
Lastly, replace the air filter if it’s dirty or clogged.
2. Tire Maintenance
Alignment and Balancing
See to it that your wheels are properly aligned and balanced to prevent uneven tire wear and improved handling. It is better to be safe instead of being sorry. In addition, it will be a plus if you find experts who also offer wheel alignment services, which is not a minor thing to check.
Spare Tire
Is the spare tire you are taking with you in good condition? Check it to confirm. Also, ensure that you have the necessary tools to change a flat tire. Keep the accessories in the back, and check them properly before leaving.
3. Emergency Kit
This point is important, even if you are not going for a long drive. Pack an emergency kit, including items like a flashlight and batteries for it. Also, get some first aid supplies along with jumper cables, a tire repair kit, and so on.
4. Check Your Documents
Recheck your driver’s license, vehicle registration, auto insurance paperwork, and the list of emergency contacts. You never know what you may need.
5. Fuel Up and Plan Your Route
Fill the Tank
Begin your trip after filling the car tank with gas.
Map and GPS
Plan your route and have a map or GPS navigation system on hand, as cellular service may be spotty in some areas.
6. Entertainment and Comfort
Entertainment
Bring along music, audiobooks, podcasts, or games to keep you entertained during the drive. This also adds to the fun and travel experience.
Comfort
This part is our favorite. Buy and pack your favorite snacks, drinks, and any personal items you’ll need for a relaxed trip, for example, your neck pillow or a blanket.
7. Safety First:
Seatbelts are your lifeline: Check to see if all seatbelts are working properly and ask all passengers to put these on as soon as you start the journey.
8. Vehicle Safety Features
If your car has advanced safety features like emergency brakes and so on, it is better that you try to understand how they work and use them correctly. If you are not sure, use online information, expert guidance, and so on. Knowledge is your power.
9. Vehicle Weight and Cargo for Road Trip
Be careful!
Do not take extra weight with you that you will not need. Overloading is never a good idea. An overloaded car can also affect fuel efficiency, which means higher costs and trouble in handling the extra stuff.
Conclusion
The above checklist is by far one of the most important ones when you plan to travel, even for a weekend. By following this checklist and making sure that your car is in excellent condition, you’ll be ready to start a memorable road trip from Houston to the Texas Hill Country.
