Pre-Road Trip Checklist: Traveling During the Covid 19 Crisis

How to get your car ready for a road trip during this pandemic

Introduction

Traveling during the Coronavirus pandemic is different from your normal trips. Many states are still under lockdown but some are open for tourists now. Traveling in a car is the safest as you can avoid public interaction to the maximum. Most people are staying at home as advised by the health officials to prevent themselves from getting infected. Planes, ferries, and trains are not a priority to travelers right now as they are prone to the infection. Traveling in your car can be time-consuming, exhausting, and maybe uncomfortable, but it is the safest way to travel in 2020. Here we will tell you about the things you need to keep and check before you hit the road in this pandemic.

Get your Car Ready for the journey

Table of Contents

Journey plan

Many states and cities are under lockdown and so are the roads connecting these places. Because of this, you need to check the highways and places you are going to visit or go through on your voyage to avoid any difficulties. Google maps and other similar apps are not always accurate, so it is better to call the local authorities and check with them. Having a proper travel plan is very important in these trying times. Healthcare and emergency services are already under a lot of burden so we must act responsibly and take the safest route.

Security check

Checking security should be a priority within your checklist for the journey. Get your car-tracking system checked by the operators. Keep your insurance ID with yourself along with essential documents for any emergency that may occur. You can also track your smartphone or track Samsung phone for extra security. Your identification, insurance, and social security documents are very important while traveling on the interstates. Especially, under the current circumstances, law enforcement agencies are on alert and require you to carry proper identification and documentation of your vehicle. Failure in doing so can lead you in hot waters, and you may face trouble with the authorities.

Engine check

You should get your car to a mechanic before your trip to get it road ready. The mechanic will check your car thoroughly by testing the engine, suspension, transmission, and the exhaust system. You will not like to wait for a tow-truck in the middle of nowhere so it is better to get your car in perfect condition for the long journey. Your car requires general maintenance before a long trip. Furthermore, the electrical system in modern cars is very sensitive and is prone to malfunction. For example, a lose connection cable can lead to engine stalling and stopping in the middle of the road. It is best to get your electrical system and the connecting cables checked.

Oils and fluids

Oil and fluid levels may seem a less priority to you but they can make your trip go wrong if you are not cautious. You should check the oils and coolant levels before you hit the road. If the car is running low on engine oil, the engine will not be able to get the proper lubrication and may cause wear and tear in the moving parts. Similarly, if there is not enough coolant in the vehicle, it will cause the engine to overheat and may result in a blown head gasket. Other fluids include the gear oil and hydraulic oil (if your car has a hydraulic system for braking, steering, etc.). These oils are also essential for a smooth and reliable ride.

Tires

Most people don’t give tires the importance that is due to them. Tires are an essential part of the vehicle and an important safety feature too. Most people think of tires as a mean that allows the vehicle to roll down the road. Well, that is just a part of their job. Tires support the weight of the vehicle, provide stability at speeds, absorb the bumps and shocks, and most importantly provide traction for control and braking. Old tires can cause many difficulties for you and may lead to an accident. You should get your tires and alignment checked from any dealership around the city.

Lights

The lights of the vehicle are not only there to illuminate the road. Lights are also a vital instrument for communication between the drivers on the road. The headlamps, fog lamps, indicators lamps (Blinkers), and tail lights are essential for vehicle-to-vehicle communication on the road. Additionally, the lights on top of the car and on the bottom of bumpers are there to indicate the size of the vehicle in darkness. Having strong and clear lights mean that other drivers will be able to see you from a distance even in reduced visibility. This is essential from a safety point of view.

Brakes

Brakes are an indispensable part of any moving vehicle. Brake checks are not only important before starting the trip but even during the trip. Especially, when entering inclined and winding roads, one must always check the brake pressure to ensure the car will stop in case of emergency. If your brake pads are worn out or of poor quality, it will ultimately lead to a disaster.

Essentials to keep with yourself

Face masks

Facemasks are necessary to protect yourself from any infectious particles that are in the air. You should keep a pack of face-masks with yourself for your trip and change your mask daily.

Sanitizers

Hygiene and protection against infections should be a priority to you. You should keep your sanitizers and disinfectants for the journey, and disinfect your steering and door-handles from time to time.

Gloves and towels

You should wear gloves when refueling and making payments. Keep your paper-towels in case of unavailability of them. Keep a pack of towels and a few pairs of gloves just to be on the safer side.