Things to check before a long trip

[Dkcm888]

If have GPS, try to update the maps before going... esp Malaysia, the highway may be accurate, but to Town City area, sometimes the GPS not very accurate.

[Bigg]

Passport!

[Introz]

usually things to check befor going north is

- tyres + pressure

- engine oil

- battery + water

- coolent + water

- steering lock ( defence )

- sweets ( not sleepy )

- extra handphone sealed

- little cash in wallet

- first aid kid

 

^^,)

[Opel17]

For sweets to stay awake, I choose Mentos [paper tube/roll wrapping], becos 1 hand on steering, you can "squeeze" 1 mentos with other hand into the mouth, without taking your eyes off the road. Dun need to unwrap those individual sweet wrapping. Dun need to wake up the navigator, who usually will doze off after some time.

Mentos have 1 "sour" flavor [yellow paper tube wrapping], which will surely freshen up the driver.

 

Just like checking the tires & pressure before long drive to M'sia, I also check the tires pressure before taking the long drive home.

 

[Seaweed]

good information ....this thought just came across my mind...so what considered a long trip ?? for me...only trip beyond boleh land is considered kind of long...so what you all considered long in you own pespective ??

[Ryanyusoff]

btw,is it recommended to deflate a few kpA for the tyres for long drives?eg normal pressure: 270kpA.so for long drives:255kpA?

[Opel17]

btw,is it recommended to deflate a few kpA for the tyres for long drives?eg normal pressure: 270kpA.so for long drives:255kpA?

 

I dun think so.

According to information from other topics in MCF and tires mfr websites, increase the tire pressure instead of reducing.

Sorry, do not have the time to find the topics for you, becos have to rush some office work, and type this just in case you are leaving for driving holiday tonite or tomorrow, and I would not wish to you to drive with lower tire pressure.

[Ryanyusoff]

I dun think so.

According to information from other topics in MCF and tires mfr websites, increase the tire pressure instead of reducing.

Sorry, do not have the time to find the topics for you, becos have to rush some office work, and type this just in case you are leaving for driving holiday tonite or tomorrow, and I would not wish to you to drive with lower tire pressure.

 

thanks bro for ur concern.just got ur post nw.coz i thought air would expand as the tyres heat up after high speed,long distance driving.afraid of tyre blowouts..i will pump my usual pressure tomoro before setting off.

[Timmz2000]

like to confirm that the tyre repair kit (foam + air in a can) is typically sufficient for tyre punctures?

 

in short, is it sufficient to go without an actual spare tyre?

[Opel17]

thanks bro for ur concern.just got ur post nw.coz i thought air would expand as the tyres heat up after high speed,long distance driving.afraid of tyre blowouts..i will pump my usual pressure tomoro before setting off.

 

Under inflation is not advisable.

Please read these links

http://www.aa1car.com/library/tirepres.htm

http://www.dunloptires.com/care/proper_inflation.html

 

 

Hope you have an enjoyable holiday.

[Peter_25]

additional reminder for a long trip,

 

Send your car for servicing again.

 

[Diamond2006]

Check your spare tyres in the boot

[Ben5266]

Yes, it is good to send the car for servicing before long trip.

But, don't send it the day before. We should consider the possibility of human error during servicing.

So, give yourself a few days driving in Singapore after servicing before going for long trip.

 

My personal experience, sent car for servicing. 2 days later, went long trip (800km) and on the 5th day, battery condemn! the battery is only 6month old.

 

So, anything is possible.

[John1123]

Its a very informative topic to read.

Thank you for sharing your experiences here.

[Xtrocious]

Passport!

 

More importantly, make sure that the custom officer has stamped an entry pass on it...

 

Otherwise, you could be detained as an illegal immigrant when you exit...hahah

[Chiangauto]

Important thing to check before long trip.but suggest send yo workshop for checking and servicing before long trip.happy holiday

Engine Compartment:

Parts & Materials Replacement:

Fully Synthetic Engine Oil

Oil Filter

Microfilter/activated charcoal filter

Spark plugs

Air Filter

Brake fluid, anti-brake grease, brake cleaner, washer additives & coolant

Manual gearbox/automatic transmission oil & rear axle oil.*

Axle washer (gasket ring) & automatic transmission washer (gasket ring)

 

Tyres:

Check Tyres & Wheels: External condition on both sides, depth of thread condition, tyre pressures (including spare wheel), correct sizes

 

Fluids:

Check radiator coolant & top up if necessary.

Check brake & clutch reservoir fluid & top up if necessary

Check steering fluid & top up if necessary

Check washer fluid & top up if necessary

 

Air Conditioning System:

Renew microfilter/activated charcoal filter.

 

Steering:

Check Steering: Steering box, steering linkage, joint disc, threaded connections,

freedom from leaks, tension of power steering V-belt

 

Electrical:

Check lighting system

Check instrument & inscription lighting talltale & warning lights

Check battery acid level/display (magic eye) and density & top up if necessary

Check Windscreen Wipers & Washer: Wiper blades & washer jet settings

Check Warning Systems: Horn, turn indicators, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, headlight flasher, rear fog light, alarm system

 

Brakes:

Brake Pads: Check pad thickness with a measuring gauge.*

Brake Disc/Pads: Check overall thickness conditions & surfaces*

Parking Brake: Check lever travel, adjust according to directive if necessary.

Alloy Wheels: Grease centre hub

Edited January 3, 2010 by Chiangauto

[Adeluxi]

As a mom, I don't really have time to check the entire car myself so I bring it to a reputable mechanic whenever I have a long drive scheduled with my family. As for the food, clothes, snacks and things to bring departments, I take care of that myself. :)

[Activ8]

Important thing to check before long trip.but suggest send yo workshop for checking and servicing before long trip.happy holiday

Engine Compartment:

Parts & Materials Replacement:

Fully Synthetic Engine Oil

Oil Filter

Microfilter/activated charcoal filter

Spark plugs

Air Filter

Brake fluid, anti-brake grease, brake cleaner, washer additives & coolant

Manual gearbox/automatic transmission oil & rear axle oil.*

Axle washer (gasket ring) & automatic transmission washer (gasket ring)

 

Tyres:

Check Tyres & Wheels: External condition on both sides, depth of thread condition, tyre pressures (including spare wheel), correct sizes

 

Fluids:

Check radiator coolant & top up if necessary.

Check brake & clutch reservoir fluid & top up if necessary

Check steering fluid & top up if necessary

Check washer fluid & top up if necessary

 

Air Conditioning System:

Renew microfilter/activated charcoal filter.

 

Steering:

Check Steering: Steering box, steering linkage, joint disc, threaded connections,

freedom from leaks, tension of power steering V-belt

 

Electrical:

Check lighting system

Check instrument & inscription lighting talltale & warning lights

Check battery acid level/display (magic eye) and density & top up if necessary

Check Windscreen Wipers & Washer: Wiper blades & washer jet settings

Check Warning Systems: Horn, turn indicators, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, headlight flasher, rear fog light, alarm system

 

Brakes:

Brake Pads: Check pad thickness with a measuring gauge.*

Brake Disc/Pads: Check overall thickness conditions & surfaces*

Parking Brake: Check lever travel, adjust according to directive if necessary.

Alloy Wheels: Grease centre hub

 

couldn't agree with you more. though its kinda hassle to bring a lot of stuffs, its better than suffer from the consequences of a long trip.