Prepare your car for travel
In order for the car trip to go without surprises, you should check the condition of the car components and additional equipment, which has different specifications in different European countries, before leaving. Do not forget about tires that are crucial to safety and comfort. Long trips at high and low temperatures, with family and luggage, should be, above all, safe.
TRIANGLE, FIRE EXTINGUISHER, FIRST AID KIT, ROPE
A first aid kit is required in almost every European country. Before starting the trip, you should check its contents. Also, you should have reflective vests that must correspond to the number of passengers, or at least for adults, and place them in the car, and not in the trunk. Also, you should prepare and take the tow rope, jack, key, spare wheel and light bulbs to avoid discussions with law enforcement officials, for example in Slovakia, where the requirements in this regard are especially high.
TECHNICAL CONDITION OF TIRES
In addition, it is necessary to check the condition of the tires of the vehicle, not only mounted on the car, but also on the spare tire. Tires are responsible for the contact of the vehicle with the road, ensure the correct operation of the control unit ABS, other systems, affect the handling of the car. The right tire choice affects safety and comfort, as well as the amount of fuel consumed, which is especially important for a long trip.
To ensure your safety, you must evaluate the level of tread wear and possible damage. According to experts, if the tread groove has become less than 3 mm, it is recommended to replace tires. If the depth is less than 1.6 mm, replacing tires is an absolutely necessary action. Tires should be checked for damage, such as deformation from various types of bumps, swelling or cracks. Extremely dangerous transverse cracks on the sides of the tire. If this defect has been noticed, the tire should be replaced immediately.
TIRE PRESSURE
Before you go on the road, you need to measure the air pressure in the tires. This has a direct impact on driving safety and fuel consumption. A decrease in tire pressure results from air infiltration through microscopic gaps between rubber particles, which can be caused by damage and excessive tire wear. Too low a pressure increases rolling resistance; more engine power is required to move the car. This creates higher fuel costs. Too low a pressure results in a greater braking distance of the vehicle.
A symptom that may indicate low tire pressure is vibration on the steering wheel. If they occur, the pressure level should be checked using a compressor or pressure gauge. The tire pressure must be in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions in the vehicle maintenance book and adapted to the current load. According to experts, the pressure level in tires should be checked, if possible, at least once a month.
