Prepare your car for the trip

The holiday season is approaching. Throughout June, we will advise you on how to spend this time beautifully and safely. The first part is devoted to preparing the car for the trip. In the role of our experienced rider Krzysztof Holowczyc.

The holiday season is approaching. Throughout June, we will advise you on how to spend this time beautifully and safely. The first part is devoted to preparing the car for the trip. In the role of our experienced rider Krzysztof Holowczyc.

At present, probably, most of the cars are serviced, so all inspections, including checking the main elements and components of the car, practically inspire us with confidence that our car is ready for the trip. Of course, not everyone has such modern cars yet, and we do not necessarily drive them to authorized workshops. Be sure to check the car yourself before leaving, which will avoid most unpleasant surprises.

Tires are safe

One of the most important parts of a car is the one that comes into direct contact with the road, i.e. the tire. Before leaving, you should also check the pressure in all tires, including the spare tire. If the tread is too low, i.e. about 1-2 mm, this is a sign that it is time to replace the tires. If we do not do this, then we must understand that in the event of rain, such tires will behave much worse. On a wet road, there is a phenomenon of the so-called. hydroplaning, i.e. a layer of water will begin to separate the surface from the tire, which, due to the low tread, will not drain excess water, resulting in an immediate loss of traction, which can have unforeseen consequences for us and other road users.

Dressing oil  

 All types of oils and fluids should also be tested. I assume that in many cases this is done by services, but everyone should from time to time and be sure to check, for example, the oil level in the engine or the fluid in the brake system before a long trip. It is worth taking a small amount of these liquids with you for the so-called refueling, so as not to overpay at gas stations. It is also good to have washer fluid with you, because its absence, especially in bad weather, significantly limits the field of view.

Fresh air

When it comes to the interior of a car, we should definitely remember to change the dust filter regularly. Otherwise, air circulation will be significantly hindered and the windows will fog up, especially when it rains.

Service brakes

And don't forget the brakes. The blocks must always be in good condition, so when we plan to drive, for example, several hundred or several thousand kilometers, it is worth checking them and replacing them if necessary. Then we will definitely avoid unpleasant situations, when only a characteristic metal rattle signals us that the bricks in our car have simply worn out.

Modern cars have brake pad wear sensors and from the moment the on-board computer provides us with information, we can usually drive them from 500 to 1000 km.

When visiting the workshop, it is also worth checking the condition of the suspension, which wears out fairly quickly on our not-so-great roads.

Worth taking on a trip

In addition to the technical condition of the car, you need to think about what, in addition to suitcases and backpacks, put in the trunk. Depending on the countries we will be traveling to, the requirements in this regard are different. However, especially in the European Union, the rules are gradually being harmonized.

We definitely need to have a warning triangle, a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit with rubber gloves. The equipment we get when we buy a new car is usually ready, but it's always a good idea to take a look at everything again. It is worth remembering that in countries such as Austria, Croatia, Spain and Italy, reflective vests are mandatory, and in some countries it is mandatory for all passengers to get out of the car, for example, on the motorway.

 Before leaving, you should familiarize yourself with the rules of a particular country, for example, on the Internet, in order to avoid unpleasant situations and high fines.

remember about Insurance

– When planning a trip, remember about car insurance. In most European countries, Polish third party liability insurance is respected. It applies when the owner or driver of the vehicle causes damage to other people and bears civil liability for this in accordance with applicable law. The compensation that the owner or driver of the vehicle is obliged to provide to the injured party is paid by the insurance company with which the perpetrator has entered into an appropriate insurance contract.

- However, in some countries of the Old Continent, the Green Card is still valid, that is, an international insurance certificate confirming that its owner is insured against civil liability to third parties. It is valid without any additional formalities and fees, and the minimum period for which a green card is issued is 15 days.

 – If we cause a collision or accident abroad, we must provide the affected party with all data regarding the third party liability policy or the Green Card. If the driver of a vehicle registered in the country where the accident or collision occurred is at fault, his personal data (name, surname and address) and the data of his third party liability insurance policy (policy number, validity period, vehicle registration number , name and address of the insurance company that issued it), and then notify the insurance company that issued it and who is responsible for settling the claim.

Another option is to apply after returning to the country to the Polish Bureau of Motor Insurers, which, based on the data of the civil liability insurance policy of the guilty person, will appoint a representative for claims of a foreign insurance company who will deal with the claim. and compensation payment.

– Depending on the type of assistance package, we may be able to tow the vehicle to a workshop, cover the costs of leaving the vehicle in a secure parking lot, or rent a replacement vehicle.

Check availability first aid kit

An important element of equipping a car, which cannot be dispensed with, is a car first-aid kit. Contrary to assumptions, it is not required by law in most European countries, but due to the need to help victims of road accidents, it becomes necessary.

The car first-aid kit should not be stocked with medicines, the expiration date of which expires if not used for a long time. In addition, when they are in a car at a temperature of minus several tens to plus tens of degrees, adverse chemical changes can occur in them. The most important items of equipment: disposable gloves, a mask or a special tube for artificial respiration, a blanket that protects both from overheating and from cooling the body, bandages, elastic and compression bands, scissors or a knife that can be used. cut seat belts or clothing items.

Worth having handy tools Going on a trip, even after checking the technical condition of our car, we must always take into account the possibility of unforeseen events. Of course, at present we can call for the appropriate assistance by mobile phone, but the wait may be longer and our finances will be further reduced. That is why our machine is equipped with basic tools. Nowadays, there are not many people who like to bury themselves in front of their car.

The ubiquitous electronics, the manufacturer's prohibitions on any intervention in the operation of the engine, mean that in the event of a major breakdown, you will have to go to the service. But changing a wheel is a task that every driver should be able to handle without any problems. To do this, of course, he must have the appropriate tools, and a spare tire, or at least the so-called. passing road. Increasingly used repair kits are less useful (because of the small space in the trunk), which, unfortunately, will not seal, for example, a cut tire. Then we can only call technical assistance on the road.