Car Checks before a long journey?

astonsmummy

:hello:
Tommorrow i will be driving from crawley (next to gatwick) to gateshead, 320 miles.
What things in my car should i check apart from oil, tyres and water?

Also does anyone know how i could find out how much air my tyres needs?

Thnx in advance x

C_Ronaldo

on my car there is a sticker on the drivers door frame saying how much air without any weight and how much air you need if there is weight, windscreen wash, how about wiper blades

rdwarr

Remember to check the traffic reports before you leave as well. Sometimes it's faster to do M25 (Dartford)/M11/A1 than M25 (Heathrow)/M1/A1.

astonsmummy

Thnx, just collared mums next door naighbour to check oils, break fluid, water etc now just need to find out about the tyres, gonna search google.

astonsmummy

rdwarr wrote: »

Remember to check the traffic reports before you leave as well. Sometimes it's faster to do M25 (Dartford)/M11/A1 than M25 (Heathrow)/M1/A1.

how do i do that? check the traffic?
I'm not worried about the length of time i'd rather do the easier route coz i'm driving alone.

nej

Sat-nav? Check.
DVD's for the Kids? Check.

Everything else can be sorted on route... At least I won't get lost and the kids will be occupied.

astonsmummy

I dont have sat nav or a DVD player, my son will have to contend with old fashion books and toys lol

anewman

Make sure you don't just put water in the coolant reservoir and screen wash! Tyre pressures are generally in owner manuals. I have also seen them in a glove box and on the side of the drivers door.

Only way I know of checking traffic reports is ceefax, but I am guessing there is some cool website with all the info on that I don't know about.

Also check tyres for tread depth (there are usually tread depth indicators in tyres and when it has worn to the level where the indentations are flush with the tyre, you need the tyre replacing). Also check for any cuts or bulges etc.

Also just to add do not mix up windscreen wash and coolant. The chemicals look alike, but you don't want to get them mixed up as it will damage the paintwork etc.

astonsmummy

anewman wrote: »

Make sure you don't just put water in the coolant reservoir and screen wash! Tyre pressures are generally in owner manuals. I have also seen them in a glove box and on the side of the drivers door.

Only way I know of checking traffic reports is ceefax, but I am guessing there is some cool website with all the info on that I don't know about.

Also check tyres for tread depth (there are usually tread depth indicators in tyres and when it has worn to the level where the indentations are flush with the tyre, you need the tyre replacing). Also check for any cuts or bulges etc.

excuse my dumbness but that sentence doesnt make sense to me

nej

astonsmummy wrote: »

excuse my dumbness but that sentence doesnt make sense to me

It means get your OH to do it!

anewman

astonsmummy wrote: »

excuse my dumbness but that sentence doesnt make sense to me

All I mean is if you simply add water the antifreeze solution in the coolant, and screenwash additives will be more dilute and not as effective. You should easily find screen wash and coolant (available concentrated and pre-mixed) in supermarkets, wilkinsons, etc.