If you’re moving across the country, many people choose to drive their own car instead of paying for auto transport. Shipping a car can be expensive, so driving it yourself can save you a good amount of money. But before you head out on the road, it’s important to give your car a full check-up. This guide will walk you through how to get your vehicle ready for the long trip ahead.
Before you start your move, be sure to go over the following:
Fluid Levels
One of the first things to look at before your move is your car’s fluid levels. These include engine oil, washer fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid and brake fluid. Making sure they’re at the right levels is very important to keep your car running well during the trip. Ignoring them could cause serious damage to your vehicle or lead to big problems while driving. To be safe, it’s best to have a professional give your car a full check before you start your move.
Tires
Checking your tires is an important part of getting your car ready before a move. Start by looking at the air pressure. Make sure it’s not too high or too low. If the pressure is too high, the tire could burst while driving. If it’s too low, you might end up with a flat on your way to your new home.
When checking your tires, you should also look at the tread to make sure they’re safe to drive on. There are different ways to test tread depth and if it’s too worn down, it’s best to replace the tires. While new tires can be costly, making sure they’re in good condition is an important step in preparing your car for the road.
Brakes
It’s also very important to check your brakes before your move. Worn-out brakes can quickly turn into a serious problem on a long distance moves. There are a few warning signs to watch for—like squeaking noises, slow response or vibrations when braking. If you notice any of these issues, take your car to a professional for a full inspection. Driving long distances without reliable brakes is extremely dangerous and should never be ignored.
Battery
The last thing you want on a cross-country drive is a dead battery. Luckily, most auto parts stores will test your battery for free, so you can find out if it needs replacing before your move. You should also check the battery for any buildup on the terminals. Cleaning them is an easy job you can do yourself. By testing the battery’s strength and clearing away any corrosion ahead of time, you’ll lower the risk of breaking down on the way to your new home.
Lights
Another part of your car you can easily check yourself is the lights. Since you’ll probably be driving at night during a cross-country move, the last thing you want is faulty headlights or brake lights. Ask a friend or family member to help—one person can sit inside the car and switch on each light while the other checks from outside. Even if all your lights are working, it’s smart to carry extra bulbs like headlights, brake lights and reverse lights in case one burns out during the trip.
Timing Belts
Many people overlook the importance of checking the timing belt before a long trip. Understanding what it does and how it works makes it clear why it needs to be in good condition before your move. Since a failing timing belt usually shows no warning signs, it’s best to have a professional check it ahead of time. Replacing it isn’t a quick job, so don’t wait until the last minute. If the belt fails, your engine will stop completely—a risk you don’t want to take on a cross-country drive.
Giving your car a full inspection before a cross-country trip will make your move go much more smoothly. Things like fluid levels, tires, brakes, battery, lights and timing belts are just some of the key areas to check. To make it easier, you can have a trusted mechanic do a full tune-up. Keep in mind, though, that not everything mentioned here may be part of a standard tune-up, so let the mechanic know exactly what you want inspected. Getting your car ready ahead of time is one of the first steps toward a successful move and it also prepares your vehicle for everyday use in your new hometown. So, if you plan to drive your car across the country, be sure every detail is taken care of before you hit the road.