AFTER worldwide lockdowns and border closures effectively sealed off entire countries from reach, many are hoping to begin their halted vacation plans as COVID-19 restrictions start to ease.
To prepare for a road trip effectively and to drive with peace of mind, there are certain things you should check before setting out, from brake fluid to tires and headlights.
From punctures to flat batteries and engine failure, breakdowns on the road are an unfortunate reality for many vacationers.
To help you reach your destination safely and successfully, it's essential to check your car over thoroughly before you hit the road.
Check everything!
Before hitting the road, it's essential to check the levels of all the vehicle's fluids (oil, brake fluid, coolant, windshield washer).
The same goes for the lights (headlights and turn signals). It is also important to make sure that the windshield has no signs of impact that could cause it to crack during a trip.
Just in case, it's also advisable to clean or, if necessary, change the car's filters and check parts like the brake pads or spark plugs. Don't hesitate to call on the services of a professional, if necessary.
Tire pressure matters
For everyone's safety, divers should check the pressure of their car's tires (and the spare tire) before setting out.
For long journeys, it's advisable to inflate tires to a slightly higher pressure than normal. You should also check their wear using the indicators found directly on the tires.
These usually take the form of small rubber ridges located in the main grooves of the tire. If these appear too worn down, don't hesitate to get the tires changed.
Sun protection
Hopefully, the sun will already be shining as you set off on the road to adventure or relaxation.
Either way, it's essential to take sunglasses, for the driver and for passengers, and don't forget the sunscreen.
During breaks, think of ways to protect the car when parked, with a windshield sunshade or cover to prevent the air in the car becoming suffocating and the steering wheel burning hot.
It's also a good idea to check that the air conditioning is working properly before you set out.
The art of packing
Vacations mean luggage. In fact, this is probably the time of year when vehicles are most likely to carry a heavy load. It's therefore important to distribute the weight well to avoid imbalances that could lead to tire wear, especially at the rear.
That's why a roof box can sometimes be useful.
Finally, bicycles must be correctly mounted and secured, whether on the roof or at the rear, all while not covering the license plate, lights or turn signals.
ETX Studio
Sun Jul 17 2022
Advance preparation is essential when it comes to taking the stress out of vacation road trips. - ETX Studio
Malaysia amalkan dasar luar yang seimbang, elak provokatif - Anwar
Malaysia mengamalkan pendekatan dasar luar yang seimbang antara Barat dan Timur, selain mengelakkan sebarang keadaan yang dilihat sebagai provokatif, kata Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anjing kejar budak berjaya ditangkap, ada pemilik - PBT
Majlis Perbandaran Manjung (MPM) berjaya menangkap tiga ekor anjing yang dipercayai mengejar seorang kanak-kanak lelaki hingga nyaris digilis kereta pada Sabtu.
Fokus Minggu Depan: Soladiriti Gaza merantasi bangsa dan agama
Break The Siege: Fokus Minggu Depan membincangkan topik Solidariti Gaza Merentasi Bangsa dan Agama susulan penangguhan misi penghantaran bantuan ke Gaza anjuran Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC).
Boling padang: Daripada jaguh kampung, Farah Ain kini bergelar jaguh dunia!
Farah Ain berjaya menempatkan dirinya di puncak dunia dengan menggondol pingat emas perseorangan wanita di Kejohanan Boling Padang Dalam Dewan Dunia, Guernsey.
Kekejaman Zionis: Angka kematian meningkat ke lebih 34,000
Sekurang-kurangnya lapan rakyat Palestin terbunuh dan berpuluh-puluh cedera pada petang Jumaat dalam serangan Israel ke atas kem pelarian Nuseirat di tengah Gaza.
Pertumbuhan saksama: Penglibatan negara maju penting
Tengku Zafrul melihat kerjasama dan penglibatan negara maju sebagai aspek penting dalam membantu membawa kemampanan dan pertumbuhan yang seimbang.
PRK Kuala Kubu Baharu: Calon PH lancar manifesto minggu depan
Calon PH Pang Sock Tao akan melancarkan manifesto sempena PRK Kuala Kubu Baharu minggu depan.
SPRM siasat pemimpin kanan di utara tanah air
Seorang pemimpin kanan di utara tanah air disiasat Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM).
TH tanggung lebih RM350 juta kos tunai haji tahun ini
Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) menanggung lebih RM350 juta membabitkan kos langsung dan tidak langsung tunai haji menerusi Bantuan Kewangan Haji pada tahun ini.
Musim haji: Persiap diri, jaga keselamatan dan kesihatan - Sultan Selangor
Sultan Sharafuddin menasihatkan jemaah agar membuat persiapan fizikal, emosi dan ilmu pengetahuan dengan sebaiknya.