Are you planning to go on a road trip in your car? It must be an exciting feeling and you must be feeling the adrenaline rush?

Before you start your trip, it is suggested that you prepare your car in advance to avoid any snags while driving it on the road. Do not just rely on your third-party car insurance or even a comprehensive plan; make sure you put in the best of your efforts.

Whether you are planning to go to another city or to outskirts, here’s a quick rundown of the things that are essential for an adventurous trip.

1. Wisely Pick Your Ride
On a road trip, you will find all kinds of terrains, different landscapes, and road conditions. Whether you are riding your personal car or renting one, it is essential to have a comfortable ride. So, carefully choose your ride and look for ways in which you can make modifications to enhance the comfort level.

2. Always Pack Light and Smart
Another most important thing is packing light; make a list of priority items and then start with the packing. Go for bags instead of suitcases to better utilize the space in your car.

It is always better to carry disposable items because they are easy to discard and are lightweight. You can even replace bottles with sachets, again to avoid the space constraint.

3. Make Sure Your Phone is Preloaded with Entertainment Options
On a long road trip, it can be boring to listening to the radio. And you will not find radio catching the network at all the places.

It means that you will want to make sure that your smartphone keeps you entertained on a long drive. You can listen to your own playlist, tap into your YouTube collection or tune in to music apps, for your favorite music.

And if you are tripping in your own car then you probably have power charger that you can plug into the console to power your phone. And if you are going to a rented car then make sure you are carrying a car charger or USB to plug into the USB port or cigarette charger etc.

4. Essential Equipment’s that You Should Carry
Again, a crucial part of a road trip, you should be prepared for the unexpected! Here are some basic things that you should have:

• First Aid Kit –Keep a box of the particular medicines that you may require apart from the basic ones that you have in your car kit.

• Flashlight – Do not just rely on your mobile torch app as a substitute. Carry a high power flashlight and put in a new set of batteries.

• Puncture Repair Kit & Foot Pump – It is a vital equipment. You never know when your car tires get punctured. To avoid getting stranded on the road replace your flimsy electric pump with a sturdy foot pump. And if your car has tubeless tires, it is a must to carry a puncture repair kit all time.

• Service Centre Numbers /Road Helpline Numbers – You will find these booklets at all the service centers or even online. Remember to grab your copy.

• GPS– It is an inevitable part of a road trip. There are built-in navigation systems in most smartphones. And if you are going to use your phone for navigation then you should have a car charger as using maps can easily drain your phone’s battery and dashboard mount.

• Icebox – It is no less than a blessing on any journey. You can keep your water bottles and other drinks in an icebox and you are good to go.

Also, Check the Following Car Parts If You Are Planning To Take a Car Trip–
If you find any fault, you can get a get these parts changed or get a top-up done as per the suggested levels as mentioned in the car manual.

1. Battery Health
Usually, the car batteries work fine for 3 to 5 years. Using a voltmeter you can check the battery charge and if it drops down to 12 volts, it needs a replacement.

Also, check the battery terminal for dirt, corrosion, cable damage or any loose connections.

It can be removed with a mix of baking soda and water. And if the terminal is damaged you will have to replace the battery.

2. Inspection of the Car Tires
Next on the list are your car’s tires.

Well, the condition of the tires plays a vital role. Look out for cracks or any cuts in the tires. And immediately replace them it’s the tread is lesser than 1.6mm.

Wheel alignment is also an important step. Lastly, check if you have a spare tire, as it usually comes handy if one of the tires gets damaged during the journey.

3. Air Filters
Hardly anyone of us checks the air filters of our car’s engine. Check it before a long road-trip and remove the debris and dirt. Change it if there is a lot of dirt.

4. Check the Suspension System
Proper functioning of the suspension system will ensure the absorption of bumps on the road. It will help you enjoy a safe and comfortable ride.

Take it for a test drive and if you find any problem get the coil springs, shocks and struts of your car checked from a mechanic. And if the car does a nose dive on applying brakes and accelerator then also you need to get it checked.

Despite so much maintenance and preparation before the on-set of your road trip, a trouble-free ride is still not sure. It is always better to carry a roadside safety kit. Make sure that you ask the insurer for roadside assistance cover. Almost all the motor insurance companies offer roadside assistance such as oriental car insurance, HDFC Ergo car insurance etc.

5. Check the Belts and Hoses
Even if you follow the basic rule of maintenance you can prevent the hose and belt failure.

As a failure to do so can overheat the engine of your car, which in turn can lead to battery discharge and malfunctioning of the power steering.

Overheating of the engine would not only mean extra expenses but would also leave you stranded in the middle of them.

And if there is leaking of coolant from the hose, your car’s cooling system will become inoperable. Not only for a road trip, if you drive your car for long-distances, then you should inspect your car for routine wear and tear and get the belts replaced if they are broken or frayed.

6. Check if the Wipers and Lights are Working Properly
Before the trip, the headlight and tail-light of your car should be in a good working condition. Check both the high beam and low beam of the headlights.

In case, it starts raining the wipers of your car will help you get a clear view. If any of these is not functioning properly, get it fixed before the trip.

Over to You!
If you have followed the above-checklist, your car will be fully prepared for your next trip.

And, if you are taking your car to another city, then these tips will surely help you make the best of your time and make your road trip a memorable one.