Getting ready for a family road trip

Planning a getaway for the holidays. There's nothing like it. Packing the entire family into the car with their favorite belongings for that long drive to destinations dreamed of all year sounds Idyllic and provided all goes as planned we hope it will be. So how do you take as much worry out of the trip as you can before it even begin?

The advantage of regular servicing

If you want to guarantee your car can get you to where you want to go at any time, abiding by the service schedule in the owner's manual is one of the best ways to go about it. Regular servicing ensures that your car is in a safe and reliable condition and helps pinpoint any potential issues before they become major problems.

If you've kept up regular car service and there are no apparent problems then that is great. But what if you've overlooked your service or there are things not on the service schedule you might be concerned about?

For your own peace of mind if nothing else, you should take care of them before you set out with your precious cargo.

If you are not that mechanically minded or are in any way not confident of checking your car yourself or if you need to get something fixed or serviced before you leave, Woodward's Auto Repairs are happy to assist. Just let us know about your trip when you bring your vehicle in and we can help you make sure everything goes a smoothly as possible for your journey. Otherwise, at the very least, we suggest you should consider the following;

Check Your Tyres

Firstly, it is important to check your tyre tread depth. Tyre treads play an important role in maintaining proper traction, especially during wet conditions and are directly related to how much stopping power you have. Ensure the tread is not worn out or unevenly distributed.

Check your tyre pressure. The right amount of air pressure not only increases fuel efficiency but also maintains stability and balance while driving. Ensure to check your owner's manual for the recommended tyre pressure for your specific vehicle. You can check your tyre pressure using a gauge, or alternatively, Woodward's Auto Repairs will be happy to check the pressure when you bring your car in for a service..

Check for signs of uneven tyre wear. Uneven tyre wear is an indication that your vehicle’s suspension and alignment may be out of balance. It’s important to ensure tyres are rotated regularly as this helps them last longer and provides a smoother driving experience. Always consult with a professional mechanic to check for any issues and to realign the tyres if necessary.

Check your fluid levels

Your car has several types of fluid to keep its engine and other components cool or in good condition. Oil acts as a lubricant to minimise heat and wear, while transmission fluid helps with gear shifting. power steering fluid works as a hydraulic for the steering, coolant regulates the cooling system temperature, and clutch fluid operates the clutch in manual vehicles.

Then there is the brake fluid. Brake fluid transfers the pressure from the pedal to the brake pads which in turn safely and efficiently bring the vehicle to a stop, which brings us to the next important thing to check before embarking on a long road trip...

Check your brakes

Are your brakes in good condition - when was the last time you had them checked?

If you are ever unsure of the condition of your brakes then get in touch with Woodward's Auto Repairs immediately. Never gamble when it comes to brakes. Proper testing and routine checkups, such as our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection which we provide with all full car services, are important to ensure your vehicle's brake system is in top condition and our expert team of technicians will be happy to advise you when they suspect that service or repair of your brake system is indicated to stop it becoming a bigger issue.

Check your lights

Lights are a huge factor in the overall safety of your vehicle, particularly at night or in adverse conditions such as stormy or foggy weather when the only visibility your vehicle has are the various lights. Before you set out you should check that all your lights are in good condition and working as they should. This includes headlights, parking lights, turn indicators, brake lights and number plate lights, even the interior light. To be really safe you should also consider carrying spare globes for some or all of them.

Lastly, before you leave - Check your cargo

If you are taking off on a trip for the school holidays the chances are you will have kids in the car and that being so you should double check any and all restraints, child seats or baby capsules are properly fitted and suitable for the child they are intended for.

Whether you have children in the car or not you should also consider very carefully the stowage of your luggage. Road trips tend to accumulate a lot of luggage and the bigger the group the more there is going to be, but resist the temptation to squeeze the excess into the interior of the vehicle as aside from making the vehicle cramped and therefore tempers frayed, it is a very unsafe practice indeed.

Always remember that loose objects such as luggage in a moving vehicle can become deadly missiles in the event of a collision, or even in a hard braking incident. Make sure all luggage is properly stowed and secured before you leave. If it wont fit in the boot consider a roof rack or trailer or simply don't pack as much.

At Woodward's Auto Repairs we care about your safety and always stand ready to help you address any concerns you might have about the reliability or suitability of your vehicle before you head of on your adventure.

That's real peace of mind!

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Woodward's Auto Repairs