Check the tires

When traveling long distances, especially on bumpy, uneven roads, tires are an extremely important factor.

First, you need to check if the tire is flat, remove any pebbles or rocks stuck in the tire grooves to prevent flat tires or tire explosions. If you are traveling in mountainous areas, have to climb steep slopes, or travel on winding mountain passes, you must also check the tire wear. If you see that the tire has lost its friction, you must replace it with a new one to ensure the safety of everyone on the trip.

It is advisable to carry a spare tire and basic tools so that you can change the tire in case of an emergency.

Brake system

There are several signs that tell you it's time to check your car's brake system, such as the brake pedal becoming soft; the brake pedal being too hard and difficult to press; the brake system warning light coming on on the dashboard; and there are continuous grinding and squealing noises coming from the brake system.

When you see a problem with the brake system, you should replace it as soon as possible; if left for too long, it will be unsafe; if it is seriously damaged, the cost of repair and replacement will be even higher.

Check engine oil

Engine oil needs to be checked to ensure smooth, stable and durable operation of the vehicle.

Park the car on a flat surface, let the engine warm up, then turn it off. Wait a few minutes for the oil to drain down the oil pan. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth, then insert it into the oil tank and check the oil level. If the oil is dark black, it is time to change it. If it is yellow, but the oil level is too low, add more of the same type of oil.

Another simpler way shared by car maintenance experts is to smear oil on your hand, rub it between two fingers to see if the oil is gritty.

Automatic transmission oil

Depending on the type of vehicle, the way to check the transmission oil is also different. Initially, the automatic transmission oil is red. After a period of use under high temperature and heavy load, the oil is oxidized, the quality deteriorates and turns brown.

If the oil is pink, it means it is thin, possibly due to a water leak in the radiator. Check the radiator. If the oil is brown, it is contaminated and should be changed. If the oil is below the "hot" mark, it needs to be topped up, but do not overfill, as this will cause the clutch and brake belt to slip and cause a fire.

Check the water and coolant

Open the hood and check the coolant level. As a general rule, you should flush the radiator and add coolant at least once every two years. The process is simple, requiring only a special chemical to clean out the deposits inside.

If you see a small puddle of water under your car when parked, you have a coolant leak. What you need to do is take your car to a garage to have it checked and repaired.

Windshield washer fluid, wiper blade

First, check the remaining washer fluid level in the tank. Normally, the washer fluid reservoir will be located in the front, inside the engine compartment, but in some vehicles the manufacturer places it behind the trunk. Use genuine washer fluid or a suitable cleaning solution to ensure the windshield is clean.

The way to check the windshield wipers is to turn them on to see if they work properly; you should clean the dirt underneath the wiper blades to ensure that when wiping, these dust particles will not scratch, affecting the "cleanliness" and smoothness when the wipers operate.

Battery check

A new battery can usually last 2 to 5 years. There is no way to predict when the battery will run out of power. The symptoms may be that the engine speed is slower than before. If it has been used for 4 to 5 years, it should be replaced.

Check the battery for leaks, cracks or signs of corrosion, and replace it if necessary. Check the terminals, if corroded the battery can be damaged, especially while on the road.

Under the hood

Check drive belts, replace if cracked. Check brake fluid, power steering fluid, add water to windshield washer reservoir.

If you don’t remember when to change your air filter, you should change it now, because dirty air filters will waste fuel and consume a lot of energy. Also check for kinks and twists in the pipes.

Suspension and steering

When traveling long distances, the car depends a lot on the suspension and steering system. To check these parts accurately, you should take the car to a car maintenance center. However, if there is damage, you can still know by signs such as the car vibrating, making strange noises, knocking sounds when going over bumps...

Check the shock absorbers near the wheels for oil leaks. If the car pulls from side to side on the highway, it is likely due to misalignment of the steering wheel. Take the car to a garage to have it adjusted.