Long drive? - The car checklist before your vacation
Kamilya
The anticipation is mounting because soon you'll be heading off on a well-deserved family vacation. To ensure a stress-free journey by car and that you and your family arrive safely at your destination, you should invest some time in planning now. This includes a thorough check of your car. After all, you don't want to break down on the road. We at CARIFY can help you with our checklist for your vacation. This way, you won't forget anything, are prepared for any eventuality and can look forward to your vacation trip with peace of mind.
The perfect car checklist for your vacation
The vacation begins with the journey. To avoid arriving at your destination completely exhausted after a long drive with a breakdown and whining children, you should draw up a checklist in advance. If you realize at your vacation destination that you've left something important at home, it can ruin your vacation. You may be able to find a replacement for your child's favorite cuddly toy at your vacation destination. Important documents, on the other hand, are not so easy to buy. And then there's the vehicle itself, which, just like you, has to work hard on a long-distance trip with luggage. With our checklist, you have the perfect tool at hand to start your vacation worry-free.
Planning before the trip
Why plan your route - you have a sat nav! Modern technology makes navigation in foreign regions much easier. Thanks to TMC, TMCpro, and live services, sat navs warn you of traffic jams and offer you detours. The problem: sometimes the traffic jam warning reaches your device too late. Then you are also stuck in a traffic jam on the bypass. The free TMC service in particular reacts with a delay. For a navigation device that receives real-time traffic jam information, on the other hand, you have to dig deep into your pocket. Manufacturers add the fees for the traffic jam warning system to the purchase price. If you use your smartphone for navigation, roaming charges may apply. And then there's the problem of dead spots ... If you're clever, you can plan the best route for your journey at home.
Planning the best route
The age of analog maps is over. Nowadays, you can access the latest maps online. A route planner helps you to plan the best route for your journey. With some services, you can even enter the type of vehicle you are traveling with car, motorcycle, camper, etc. The app will then provide you with a route that fits perfectly with rest stops, petrol stations, and, if you wish, beautiful landscapes - including attractive stopovers.
Roadworks always pose a risk of traffic jams, especially during the vacation season. With a route planner, you can avoid them from the outset. Thanks to the reports on the current traffic situation, you can see traffic jams on the road in good time and use the app to select a detour. It also warns you of dangerous situations caused by weather or accidents. This allows you to adapt your driving style and reach your destination safely.
Car check before your vacation
To ensure that your vacation doesn't start on the breakdown lane, you should check your car thoroughly before your trip. Particular attention should be paid to the tires, but the operating fluids must also be sufficient for the long haul. It's best to combine a regular service with your vehicle's vacation preparations. Here you can find out what is particularly important.
Technical check
You should check these vehicle parts before your trip and have them replaced or repaired if necessary:
Battery: Cold and heat cause problems for car batteries. If the battery dies on the road, the car will no longer start. Then you have to wait for the breakdown service or hope for other travelers who can give you a jump start. A battery check will tell you whether you need to replace or at least charge the battery before your journey.
Cooling system: Especially in summer, your car's cooling system reaches its limits on long journeys. If the engine overheats on the road, you need to act quickly, otherwise there is a risk of engine damage. Before you can top up the coolant, the engine must cool down, which means a long forced break. It is better to have the system checked for leaks and fill up with sufficient coolant before the journey.
Windshield washer system: Poor visibility while driving can lead to accidents. In summer, you have to reckon with heavy thunderstorms, dust and insects, and in winter with mud thrown up. Cracked or brittle wiper blades leave streaks on the windshield, which increases the risk of glare. You must also check that the windshield washer nozzles are clear (front and rear). Fill with a sufficient amount of windshield washer fluid appropriate for the time of year. Caution: Never mix summer windshield washer fluid with winter washer fluid, as this results in streaks.
Brakes: The vehicle's brakes must be in perfect working order. To be on the safe side, have them checked before driving and replace any worn parts of the brake system.
Lights: As well as checking the lights, you should also adjust the angle of the headlights. When fully loaded, you could dazzle other drivers.
Tires: Do your tires still have enough tread? A minimum of 1.6 mm is prescribed, but even at 3 or 4 mm, summer and winter tires can no longer perform important functions such as aquaplaning protection. You must adjust the tire pressure to the load.
Air conditioning: In summer, driving without air conditioning is particularly strenuous. The heat is hard on the circulation, the children whine and concentration levels drop rapidly. Check to make sure that your car's air conditioning is ready for the long journey.
Checking the oil level
Engine oil is one of the most important operating fluids. An oil level that is too low causes engine damage. Diesel drivers need to think about AdBlue for the journey.
Travel documents for the journey
Tickets, booking confirmations, papers - there's a lot to think about before your vacation. Forgotten papers are a worst-case scenario. These are the most important:
Identity card and passport
To ensure that your trip abroad doesn't end at the barrier, all passengers must have their documents with them. Depending on the destination, an identity card is sufficient. Sometimes, however, a biometric passport is also required. Check in good time whether the documents are still valid.
Driving license and green insurance card
You are not allowed to drive a vehicle without a driver's license and green insurance card. Both documents are valid in Switzerland and internationally.
Personal travel equipment
Everyone needs to be comfortable on long journeys. Important items should be within easy reach so that you don't have to search for them in your suitcases.
Clothes and shoes for traveling
Loose and not too warm clothing is ideal when traveling. As a driver, you should wear comfortable shoes without heels, and passengers should not wear high heels until they reach their destination. In cold weather, think about warm jackets for breaks and blankets if the car is parked for longer.
First-aid kit
If someone falls ill on the road, the family doctor is out of reach. It's good if you've thought of a first-aid kit that you can use to treat minor health problems. You should keep this handy, cool and dry during the journey. This belongs in it:
Remedies for travel sickness
Painkillers
Diarrhea medication
Cold remedies
Eye drops
Handkerchiefs
Plasters, blister plasters
Cooling ointment for burns
Ointment for itching
Wound healing ointment
Dressing material, disposable gloves
Clinical thermometer
You should also take any medication that your family regularly takes with you. Also think about child-friendly medication. Travel health insurance is recommended when traveling abroad.
Entertainment on the journey
Long car journeys are exhausting for everyone involved. Children quickly become bored; they start whining or arguing. This is distracting and increases the risk of accidents, especially if you are traveling alone with the kids and have to rummage for items or provisions during the journey. Good planning is everything here.
Music and audiobooks
Thanks to entertainment devices such as portable game consoles and tablets, kids are kept entertained on the go. Younger children enjoy their favorite music and audiobooks or radio plays. Music and audiobooks for adults will pass the time for you and the passenger. Remember to charge the devices before the journey and take a charged power bank with you in case of an emergency.
Games and books for the children
Even without technology, children can be entertained if you pack enough books and travel games.
Conclusion
With the right planning, relaxation begins on the journey. You've picked out the ideal route, the engine is purring like a kitten and all your fellow travelers are well entertained. Now you just have to remember to take regular breaks and drink enough on the way, then nothing stands in the way of a relaxing journey. If you book a car subscription with CARIFY for your vacation trip, you don't have to worry about the technical condition of your vehicle. You should only adjust the tire pressure and headlights to the load before setting off and take a quick look at the operating fluids. We wish you a safe journey!
FAQs
How do I prepare for a long car journey?
A checklist will help you pack your clothes and important items. You should also choose your route in advance. A car check ensures a safe and puncture-free journey. Keep essentials to hand on the road.
What should you check in your car before a long journey?
A thorough check before the trip is advisable. Especially important:
Tires/tire pressure
Brakes
Service fluids
Windshield washer system
Cooling system
Battery
Lighting system
How many hours in a row are you allowed to drive?
You should take a break every two to three hours, stretch your legs and give all passengers the opportunity to go to the toilet.
What should not be missing on a long car journey?
Food and drink are essential on long journeys, as are a first-aid kit and entertainment for your fellow travelers.
