Be the road trip boy scout

MANILA, Philippines - Got a road trip coming up?

Filling up your car with fuel is all you plan on doing?

Read on buddy, this could save your life.

It’s that time of the year again people, and you don’t want to be that poor stranger stalled on the side of the road (or unfortunately if you are, the poor stranger who wasn’t prepared). Here are a few simple precautions before you roll out.

1) Fluids

Pop the hood and an ocular will tell you how your fluids are doing. The most important ones to check are the oil, coolant, and brake fluid. These liquids adversely affect vehicular operation, and when neglected can lead to serious damage. If you have time, take your car for a lube change and flushing. If not, these can be easily toped of in your own garage…just make sure you get the right kind (refer to manual).

If you want to be more meticulous, also check the power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. These will ensure your driving is as hassle free as possible.

2) Tires

The most vital component that will keep you on the right side of the road is your tires. Treat them with respect. First to note is the tread wear on your rubber. Check the visual markings on your tire wall. If wear is beyond the marked limit, time to get new ones.

Second is to make sure you are running the prescribed tire pressure. The door jam on your vehicle should have a quick guide for this. Running too low a pressure might cause an accident; so always remember to properly inflate. Check pressure even on the spare as most forget about this.

3) Wearable Parts

Parts that wear more often than others like the battery, brake pads, hoses, and belts might also need a little glancing before you drive off. For the battery, check the terminals for visible signs of damage/wear. Some batteries come with a visible indicator (positive or negative sign). For the others, here are signs to look out for: High pitched sound when decelerating, stray threads on the belt, and very soft hoses when pinched.

4) Lights

For your safety, make sure all lights are functioning. You want your vehicle clearly visible especially at night. You might need another person to help you spot if your headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and signal lights are all in order.

5) Air Conditioning

Given the country’s hot climate, having a functioning air-con is more a necessity rather than a luxury. Go to a reputable A/C service center to find out if your system needs flushing or if the cabin filter needs replacing.

6) Tools and Jack

Your vehicle most likely will come with factory issued tools and jack. If not, don’t travel without at least a jack and tire wrench. If you can tool up, get some screw drivers, pliers, and hammer just to be sure.

7) Emergency Kit

In the event of a mishap, you will always want to be on the side of preparedness. Having an emergency kit that includes a first aid (with paracetamol, mefenamic acid, antihistamine, etc), flashlight, and early warning device would be a good start. Bringing the car’s spare key would also be a good idea just in case. A map and or GPS device is highly recommended especially if it’s your first time to the destination. A cell phone is a no brainer of course.

8) Secure Road Side Assistance Coverage

Even with all the preparation, your ride can still stall for a host of reasons. Having a company that can provide roadside rescue will be invaluable in such a scenario. Important things to know are the range of the company’s coverage (nationwide or only certain areas), and the kind of services that they exactly provide (towing, battery change, provision of fuel etc).

Remember, these things are simple to follow so there’s no reason why not to do them. Check these things off, buckle up, and enjoy the drive. Oh, and don’t forget the driving music!