Road trips can be exhausting because they require extensive planning. If you’re going with friends or family, you will likely book hotels and plan fun activities once you arrive in a new town.
Preparing your luxury car for a road trip is not complicated as long as you follow a few crucial steps. One of the worst things that can happen on a long-distance drive is your car breaks down. This can be avoided if you invest in maintenance year-round.
At the very least, you should check your car before leaving for a road trip.
Before taking your luxury car on a long trip, let’s explore what to consider.
1. Tire Maintenance
Maintaining your car’s tires is absolutely crucial. This is especially useful if you will be off-roading and going down untrodden paths. If your tires are not fully inflated or punctured, you may face problems.
When considering tire maintenance, you need to look at three main things. These are air pressure, rotation, and your tire’s condition.
The air pressure needs to be maintained before driving your luxury car long distances. A good rule of thumb is to get your tires inflated every thousand miles. However, it is best to do it sooner if they are old and slightly withered.
You should also keep an eye on the tire’s yourself in case of any accidents along the way. Dealing with a puncture can be bothersome if you are unprepared for it. But if you have a spare tire, you should know how to change it in an emergency.
Your vehicle’s configuration should also be checked before a road trip. Your tires should be checked out every 5000 miles since drive-wheel configurations can wear them more quickly. Again, you should keep a visual eye on your tires and notice any wear and tear ahead of time to prevent problems.
The condition of your tires must be good. If there are any bulges, protrusions, gouges, or damages to your tires, they are likely compromised. It is best to leave this job to a professional and let them inspect your luxury car’s tires for any damage. So, get their condition checked before embarking on a long-distance road trip.
2. Regular Maintenance
Car maintenance is crucial because it allows your vehicle to remain durable and in working condition. Your mechanic will check your car’s spark plugs, fluids, air filters, engine operation, brakes, etc.
Without routine maintenance, your car may exhibit problems on the road. Forcing it to drive if its brakes are not working properly or if the engine is making noise is a recipe for disaster. Not only are you jeopardizing the passengers’ safety, but you are also reducing your car’s lifespan.
If you’re driving in summer, you should get your air conditioning system checked out. A malfunctioning compressor will make everyone sweat and not enjoy the road trip. Similarly, you should get your car’s safety features looked at, such as seat belts, front lights, and headlights.
Part of your car’s regular maintenance is its cleaning. No one likes to drive a messy car, which detracts from the experience. Getting your car’s interior and exterior professionally cleaned can put everyone in a good mindset before the trip begins.
3. Fluid Top Up
You need to top up your car’s fluids before your road trip to ensure everyone has a smooth experience.
Your brake fluids allow the brake pads to produce a braking effect efficiently. An indicator that the fluids need to be checked is when your brakes feel soft. Get a mechanic to evaluate the brakes since air may have entered the lines. Typically, you don’t need to worry about braking performance if you get your car regularly maintained. However, if you’re driving long distances on inclines, declines, and narrow pathways, you must top up your brake fluid.
Your car’s engine oil is a key component of its smooth functioning. Typically, you must change it every 10,000 miles if your car’s relatively new. However, you should check it every 2,000 – 3,000 miles on a road trip. Engine oils have additives that make them perform better, making some brands superior to others. However, the lubricating effects of these additives are lost the more distance your car covers. Still, you should use the best engine oils for the most enhanced effect.
The coolant plays a major role in controlling your car’s temperature. Cars heat up the longer you drive them, which is why coolants are used to prevent overheating. Summer road trips in areas like Nevada can heat your car pretty quickly, making it necessary to top up your car’s coolant. However, you should get it professionally checked instead of doing it yourself if you’re unsure of the best way to do it. For example, you should never attempt to replace your car’s coolant when the car is hot.
Wiper fluid also needs to be replenished; this is pretty easy but something you need to watch out for, especially when driving in dusty conditions. If you don’t actively clean your car’s windshield, it can cause visibility issues, which can put you at risk whiile driving on the highway or motorway. For this reason, you should fill your wiper fluid as soon as it runs out.
LVC Exotics is a luxury car rental in Las Vegas, Nevada. It lets you rent some of the latest vehicles for personal use, such as Lamborghinis, Ferraris, McLarens, and more. You can reserve your dream car by visiting the website and contacting them at (702) 586-0008. Prepare for your road trip in style by learning about the complete range of services available.