If you’ve determined the road is your best route for moving cross country, your vehicle must be in optimal shape to get you there. Being on the open road exposes your vehicle to a series of risks. It’s important to protect your car from weather conditions and wear and tear. General car maintenance is sufficient for driving around town, but an expedition across the states requires your car to be in supreme condition. Before you saddle up for the road ahead, explore how to prepare your car to move cross country to get you and your automobile ready for the long haul.
Test Car Brakes
The power to stop your vehicle is vital whenever you’re driving but especially when navigating unfamiliar roads and terrains. Ensure your braking system is in check by assessing the condition of your brake pads, refilling brake fluid, and testing the parking brake.
Inspect Car Tires
The wheels on your car will make your move go round, and the more miles you drive on them the more wear and tear they’ll have. If you haven’t inspected the air pressure or surface of your tires in a minute, now is a good time to do so. After replacing or pumping your tires with air, take a moment to check on the condition of your spare tire in the event of a flat.
Car Emergency Kits
Standard car equipment is essential to have on hand whenever you travel, but for a cross-country trip, it’s especially important to have an emergency kit. After securing your spare tire, pressure gauge, and other standard tools, take stock of your jumper cables, emergency flares, and tow rope.
A cross-country journey is the worst time for car issues to surface, especially if you’re on a tight schedule for moving. Therefore, it’s best to rule out existing mechanical issues and cover any general car maintenance before hitting the road. Your car fluids, battery, and lights are important mechanisms to check on in addition to the list above. Even if you’re comfortable inspecting the condition of your car at home, it’s safest to follow up with a mechanic in case you miss anything or need additional information about traveling long distances in your vehicle.
