Long-distance travel by car, which can also be called "road trip", is a way of travelling that has many followers. It offers a strong feeling of freedom and you can easily take with you everything you need for your holiday: clothes, camping equipment and also some things to have a good time: ball, tennis rackets or board games for the evenings. It is also the opportunity to live various experiences in a multitude of places and even countries. However, in order to take this type of trip, it is important to be well prepared and to anticipate. Of course, the car must be serviced as a whole to avoid breakdowns during the journey. Tyres are the first cause of problems during road trips, that's why it is important to be well equipped before taking the road. To do this, it is useful to use tyre price comparators, such as Tiregom, which allow you to find the tyres best suited to the trip you are planning, and also at the best price. Here are 10 tips to properly prepare your tires for a long trip.
Taking stock of the territories crossed
This is a very important detail, we have to take stock of the territories we are going to cross. Depending on the season and the region, you may have to drive in the mountains, and therefore notice the presence of snow on the road. There's no question of being surprised, and depending on the snow cover on the roads, you should think about either fitting your car with 4-season tyres or snow chains or snow socks, especially if you are crossing or reaching a high mountain area with generous snow cover.
Check the condition of the tyres
It may seem obvious, but it is important to check the wear of your tires. Worn tires are detrimental to the safety of the driver and passengers. A worn tire exposes a puncture, lengthens braking distances and increases the risk of aquaplaning. You must therefore be vigilant and have the general condition of the tyres checked and see if the remaining rubber is sufficient to make the whole trip.
Taking stock of the vehicle's load
When you go on a long car trip, you quickly tend to load the trunk and roof of the car, unlike a trip by train, plane or bicycle. But the load does affect the tires. Tires have a load index, and it is important to check it. The index corresponds to the maximum weight that the tyres can support. It is quite simple to find the weight corresponding to a particular index on the Internet. It is therefore necessary to be careful not to load the car without thinking that this does not involve any risk.
Having a spare wheel
If there's one thing motorists want to avoid on the road, it's a flat tire. But when that happens, you're glad when you've been prepared and have a spare. Be careful, recent cars are no longer equipped with a spare tire, so it is advisable to buy a spare tire when buying a new car. For those with older models that are equipped with it, it is located in different places depending on the model. Under the bonnet, in the rear trunk, under the body or on the trunk door for off-roaders, it must in any case be checked before leaving that it is in good condition, as it can save the rest of the trip.
Get the right puncture-proof and anti-theft equipment
You don't necessarily think about it before going on a road trip, but the tyres can really play tricks on drivers. So to cope with a deflating tire, it is very useful to take a compressor with you. Just as the spare wheel is not mandatory, in case of a puncture, having a repair kit and a puncture-proof spray is essential. Puncture protection is even compulsory when you don't have a spare wheel. It should be noted, however, that it is only effective in the event of a small puncture: if the tire is torn, it will be insufficient. Another thing to think about are the anti-theft nuts that protect the rims from tampering. In addition to the aesthetic aspect, the rim provides the link between the hub and the tyre: the rim and tyre assembly therefore forms a wheel. People who have valuable rims on their cars must be in possession of anti-theft nuts.
Make sure we have a jack and a key..
Having a spare wheel in your car is highly recommended in case of a puncture during a long trip, but you must also be in possession of the tools to be able to remove the wheel and install the one that is in good condition. A jack and a key are the best allies for this, and you have to think about having them in the trunk.
Check the insurer's coverage of punctures abroad
A puncture abroad, whether an accident or an act of vandalism, can lead to unexpected costs that put a strain on your holiday budget. To avoid this inconvenience, you should check with your car insurer that the contract does indeed provide for the coverage of punctures abroad. Comprehensive insurance or tyre insurance, both options allow you to be reimbursed for tyre changes. This is an interesting point to discuss with your insurer before considering a road trip
Ensure proper tire pressure
It's part of the basic checks before going for a long drive, but tire pressure is very important. In fact, it must be done very regularly, even for everyday use. Always check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, i.e. two hours after the last time the engine was switched off. Once you know the correct tire pressure to apply (available on the side of the door or in the owner's manual), go to a service station or use a portable air compressor. The pressure must be right, because an under-inflated or over-inflated tire causes problems with over-consumption of fuel or the risk of the tire bursting
Using the Internet to find relevant information
You can find everything online, and this also applies to the world of tyres. Before leaving on a long car trip, don't hesitate to go on the Internet and consult tutorials that show how to change a car wheel. Yes, you can't make it up and it's better to practice than to be caught off guard. As we have said before, the proper attachment of the wheels is very important for the safety of all passengers in a car. On the Internet, you can also find valuable advice on how to take care of your tyres, for example by driving smoothly, driving on stable roads and not hesitating to go to a professional if you have any doubts about the good condition of one or more tyres
If possible, provide an extra wheel
On a road trip, we drive a lot, and it's better to be far-sighted. So if you have room in your car or van, you should consider bringing an extra wheel. The spare wheel is obviously recommended, but it will only replace one damaged wheel and over a very long distance, one is never safe from encountering several tire problems during the same trip
