Travelling interstate can be quite daunting for those who do not plan ahead. While it does take a lot of strategic planning mostly to avoid the dreaded journey and possible traffic, one shouldn't forget about checking the car to make sure it's road ready.

Before you hit the highways when you’re going back to your hometown or planning to go on a long road trip, here are some of the important things you’ll need to check before starting out.

1. Engine oil

The primary purpose for cars to have engine oil is to provide lubrication to your car’s engine, preventing it from rubbing against one another. When not regularly maintained, your engine part’s life span will be shortened and may be destroyed in a very short time. Other than that, it also acts as a cooling supplement for areas that your coolant cannot reach. If you were to drive without engine oil, you risk damaging your car, and the worst-case scenario is you may need to replace the engine entirely.

Make sure your car is parked with the engine turned off, pop open your bonnet and look for the ring of the dipstick. Pull it out and clean off any excess oil with a cloth or a paper towel. Dip the stick back in and pull it out again, paying close attention to the oil level. The level should be between the two marked points on the dipstick. If the level is low, top up your car's engine oil.

2. Tyres

Your tyres are your car's only contact with the road and ensuring that they are in the best condition helps increase your fuel economy. If your tyres are poorly inflated, they are prone to blowouts and it can be difficult to brake or steer.

Driving with low-pressure tyres can be dangerous and may cause a tyre blowout. Imagine you’re going at 120 km/h, and one of your tyres burst, sending you spiralling across the road. You’re lucky if the road is empty, but what if it wasn’t? You’ll be causing multiple accidents and people may get injured in the process. It’s recommended to get your tyre pressure checked regularly. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for any damages such as stuck nails, swelling and treadwear depth and grooves before you begin your journey.

3. Lights

If you’re starting your journey in the evening, the night will fall fast on you. You’ll need the help of your headlights to get through the night. Before you go on your trip, it’s best to check if they are bright when you switch them on. The highway can often get very dark, and having a dimly lit road won’t be safe in any circumstances.

4. Wipers

Parking under the hot sun can sometimes harden or damage the rubber. Before a long drive, check your wipers to ensure they are in good working condition for clear visibility. You don’t want to be stuck in a sudden rainstorm with wipers that aren’t able to wipe clearly. Be sure to also check on your washer fluid level—it is always good to top up before your long drive.

Additional Driving Tips For Better Driving

1. Use cruise control

It really is heaven-sent for long-distance driving as it not only helps reduce driver fatigue but also increases fuel efficiency. It takes the strain off your journey by maintaining your vehicle speed, so your right foot can take a break once a while.

2. Know your warning lights

When driving, it is important to always be alert of your surroundings as well as the other drivers on the road. But you also need to keep an eye on your car's dashboard. Take the time to read the manual to familiarise yourself with the respective warning icons and what they mean.

3. Notice the small things

While driving, take note of how your car feels and responds. Look out for small changes such as sudden wobbliness of the tyres, unresponsive steering, unusual noises, or sluggishness in the way the car responds. These could be signs that something is not right, so head over to the nearest car workshop for a quick check if any lights go on.

4. Keeping a safe distance

Always keep a safe distance from the car in front of you and don't tailgate other cars as you may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision. A safe distance in-between car is about 2 seconds from the car in front of you.

When you’re planning to travel, you’ll need to make sure your car is in good condition for the safety of yourself, your passengers and also those in the car with you. We at TOC Automotive College hope you have a great Chinese New Year, and a safe time of travelling back to your hometowns.

What do you think about this article? Let us know in the comments!

Are you interested in all things related to cars, automotives and motorsports? If so, TOC wants you! You might want to consider exploring a career in automotive, motorsports, and all things related. Check out our various programmes and courses available. At TOC, you’ll be part of one of the best automotive colleges in Malaysia that provides you with the education pathway you need to turn your dream into reality!

If you’d like to know more about the automotive industry or if you’re still unsure whether it would be a good fit for you, don’t hesitate to have a chat with our automotive course counsellors, who would be happy to help you out!

Important Things To Check Before Going On A Long Road Trip