Preparing the car for a holiday trip

Traveling by car?

Finally a vacation! But till you are sitting and resting, your car has to cope with a variety of difficulties. Large loads, high speeds, hot weather and long descents create a colossal strain, and not just for brakes. To be sure that your car will take you to your destination safe and sound, you need to take into account the following points before you embark on a journey:

• To ensure the safety of driving and reduce fuel consumption and tire wear, the pressure in the tires of the wheels should correspond to the greatest total load of the car. Look for the necessary information in the user's manual, on the inside of the flap of the tank, on the door pillar or in our manual about tire operation.
• Do not overload the vehicle, exceeding the restrictions specified in its documentation.
• Check the condition of the jack, tool kit, emergency stop sign and first aid kit and replace them if necessary.
• Check the level of the windshield washer and antifreeze.
• Check the oil level and top up if necessary.

How best to equip the car?

Have you ever thought about the force that arises inside the car during a sudden stop or in the event of an accident? Flying things while doing this can cause serious damage to the passengers of the car. Such situations can be completely avoided if the following points are taken into account when placing luggage in a car:

• Heavy items should be removed to the very bottom of the trunk directly behind the back of the seat.
• If there is no rigid partition, never stack your luggage higher the seatback in minibuses and family cars.
• Try not to leave gaps and put objects as close as possible to each other.
• Fix the load or use anti-slip mats.
• Make sure nothing blocks the driver's field of vision.
• The emergency stop sign and first aid kit should always be easily accessible.

What are the important points to consider when transporting cargo on the roof of the car or at the rear of it?

Long vacation, small trunk  ─ if there is not enough space in the car, the trunk on the roof or rear of the car can solve the problem. But, despite all the advantages of these devices, the cargo must be properly secured, so as not to lose anything in the way. Always consider the following points:

• Never exceed the maximum allowable load on the roof of your car.
• Never exceed the load limit of the roof rack.
• On the roof you should place the lightest luggage.
• Remember that the extra weight changes the center of gravity of the car and affects its handling.
• If the trunk attached to the rear of the car covers the tail lights, make sure that it has its own light sources.
• During the journey, regularly check the quality of the fastenings of the luggage that is  located outside the vehicle.

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What is need to be considered before towing a van?

Uing your own truck is the ideal solution in case you love independence and want to be able to stand on a halt wherever you want. In addition to convenience, the van is an extra place for luggage storage.

• If possible, attach the luggage with straps or use anti-slip mats.
• Always add heavy objects in the center, directly above the transverse beam of the axle to ensure optimum stability of the vehicle's movement and braking performance.
• Manage the car as carefully as possible, given the longer braking distance and reduced traction.
• If the van goes into a skid or "wags", gently relieve the gas and try to keep the car and wagon on the course, carefully turning the steering wheel in the opposite side to the skid.

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What should be double-checken before leaving?

Before you start the path, find the time to check the following points again:

• Is the cargo properly secured?
• Is the headrest of the driver's and passenger seats optimally adjusted?
• Is the child seat securely fastened, are all seat belts fastened?
• Did you forget the necessary documents (passport, visa, driver's license, travel and medical documents, certificate of vaccination, medical insurance, cash, credit card, etc.)?
• Are you aware of the specifics of driving rules in other countries (maximum speed, the need for dipped-beam headlights in the daytime, is there a mandatory for warning vest, toll roads and tunnels, etc.)?

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Source: www.boschcarservice.com