Checking the car before going on vacation 🚗🌴 How to prepare your car for a long trip

Going on vacation in your own car is freedom of movement, comfort and an opportunity to see more than a tour package would allow. But in order that your vacation does not turn into a series of stresses, breakdowns and unexpected stops on the side of the road, it is important to check the technical condition of the car in advance. Especially if the route includes hundreds of kilometers, mountain serpentines or long-distance routes.

Below is a detailed instruction on what exactly to check, how much it costs in Ukraine and what mistakes drivers most often make before a long trip.

1. Complete maintenance: what to check 🔧

It is recommended to undergo a comprehensive maintenance before a long journey. Even if the scheduled maintenance has been recently performed, it is better to make sure that key components are in good working order.

✔ Oil and filters

• Check engine oil level and condition.

• If there are less than 2-3 thousand km left before replacement - it is better to do in advance.

• Replace oil, air and cabin filters.

💵 Cost in Ukraine: from 1,500 to 3,000 UAH depending on the type of oil and car.

✔ Brake system

Check it out:

• brake fluid level,

• the condition of the pads,

• no leaks,

• brake performance.

💵 Price: diagnostics - 300-500 UAH, replacement of pads - from 600 UAH.

✔ Antifreeze and condition of the cooling system

Engine overheating while on the road is the No. 1 cause of auto towing in the summer.

Check it out:

• coolant level,

• tightness of the hoses,

• fan operation.

💵 Price: refill - 150-300 UAH, replacement - 700-1500 UAH.

✔ Spark plugs / glow plugs

Worn plugs lead to increased fuel consumption and starting problems.

2. Tire condition: your most important safety feature 🛞

✔ Checking the tread

The minimum allowable depth is 1.6 mmbut for long-distance travel, it's better 3 mm and up.

✔ Tire pressure

• On the highway, the pressure should be in line with factory recommendations.

• Insufficient pressure increases fuel consumption and the risk of tire overheating.

✔ Spare tire, jack, tire wrench

It sounds cliché, but it is what is most often forgotten.

💵 The price of a tire inspection: 200-400 UAH.

3. electrics and lighting: important for night travel 🌙

Check it out:

• low-beam and high-beam headlights,

• brake lights,

• fog lights,

• turn signals,

• the emergency light.

If the bulb burns out on the road, you risk getting a ticket and creating a hazard on the road.

💵 Price: replacement of lamps - 100-300 UAH.

4. battery: to start the car anywhere 🔋

It is advisable to test the battery on a load plug before vacation.

Signs of a weakened battery:

• stiff starting in the morning,

• light sagging when the instruments are turned on,

• long period of use (5+ years).

💵 Diagnosis: 100-200 UAH.

5. Check suspension and steering ⚙️

For long trips, it is important that there is no backlash, no knocking, and no wear and tear on the components.

Check it out:

• shock absorbers,

• ball bearings,

• steering rods,

• silent blocks,

• stabilizers.

💵 Diagnosis: 300-600 UAH.

6. Technical fluids: full control 🧴

Check before traveling and replace if necessary:

• brake fluid,

• cooling,

• power steering fluid,

• automatic transmission/ICT oil,

• washer fluid (especially in summer - from insects).

7. Trunk: a kit for emergencies 🧰

For a long distance trip, be sure to take one:

🧯 fire extinguisher
🔧 tool kit
🟨 emergency sign
🟩 first aid kit
🔦 flashlight
🔌 phone charger and power bank
🪢 tow rope
🚰 a bottle of water for the radiator (emergency measure)

8. Verification of documents 📄

Before leaving, make sure you have:

• driver's license,

• vehicle registration,

• valid MTPL insurance,

• if you're traveling abroad, a Green Card.

Check the expiration dates - this is a common mistake that gets drivers ticketed.

9. Test the vehicle 2-3 days before the trip 🧭

Take a short test drive around town or on the highway and pay attention:

• if there are any vibrations,

• if there's any strange noises,

• how the gearbox works,

• whether the engine temperature is stable.

If something is bothering you, it's better to fix it beforehand than to get stuck in the middle of the route.

10. Financial side: how much it costs to prepare a car for a vacation in Ukraine 💵

TOTALS: full preparation of a car for a trip costs approx. from 3000 to 7000 UAH - It's cheaper than a tow truck or emergency repairs on the road.

Conclusion: it is better to prepare in advance than to deal with problems on the track 🚘✨

Checking your car before your vacation is not just a "recommendation". It is a guarantee of your safety, comfort and peace of mind. A well-prepared car will allow you to enjoy your vacation and not think about breakdowns and risks.

Allocate 1-2 days, get a diagnostic, check fluids and lights, and get on the road with no worries.