Are you considering hitting the open road? A well-planned road trip is good for many things: it breaks up our routine, helps us unwind, allows us to discover new places, and sets the stage for unforgettable moments, to name a few.
A road trip can end up being more stressful than it’s worthy if you find yourself broken down on the side of the highway, or worse — stranded in the middle of nowhere. In order to set yourself up for a successful excursion, vehicle maintenance and safety is of utmost importance.
A dyed-in-the-wool gear-head, rental agencies in Rwanda have loved working on cars for a long. We are passionate about sharing our knowledge and experience to keep others safer on the roads. Follow our quick tips on how to prepare for a road trip.
I. Get to Know Your Vehicle’s Capabilities
Knowing what your vehicle can and cannot do helps you determine how to perform maintenance on it, as well as whether you should make any alterations to your driving style.
II. Examine Your tyres
Making sure your tyres are road-ready is essential to your safety. Look at the tread on each tyre, and if they’re worn out on the outside but have good tread on the inside, rotate them (or have it done by the mechanic). Rotating between left, right, front, and rear tyres can help you get the most use out of your tyres. However, if you notice dry rot, cracks, sidewall bubbles, or punctures, you need to have your tyres replaced immediately. Also, make sure the air pressure in your tyres stays where it needs to be throughout your trip. This not only makes your ride safer but also makes it smoother and can increase your fuel efficiency.
III. Check Your Brake Pads before Setting off
You can’t set off for a road trip in full confidence without knowing your brakes are functioning properly. If you hear a screeching noise when you brake, you may very well need new brake pads. Good brake pads create the friction necessary to stop or slow down your car. When your brake pads are worn out, you’re basically grinding metal on metal, which is the screeching noise you hear. Even if you don’t hear evidence of worn brake pads, you should do a quick check by looking through the holes of your wheel at the brake calliper and pads. If your brake pads show 20 per cent or more of wear, you should take them to get replaced before setting off.
Iv. Top off Your Fluids
Six primary fluids need servicing in a vehicle: motor oil, transmission fluid, radiator fluid
(coolant/antifreeze), brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. When it comes to your radiator fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid, you can usually see in the reservoirs when they need to be filled up. However, the other fluids can get more complex, as their life spans vary depending on the year, make, and model of the car.
Meanwhile – If you’re hoping to reap all the possible benefits from a road trip, you need to take all the necessary maintenance steps with your vehicle. Do research on your vehicle to learn about its capabilities so that you can make any adjustments needed. Check your tyres and rotate or replace them if necessary, and make sure your brake pads are up for the trek. Finally, top off or replace any fluids that need it and then set forth for a thrilling road trip in Rwanda.
