We finally got a car! Being almost 40, it’s somewhat shameful that I only just started learning to drive this year, while Raquel passed her test 6 months ago. I feel like we’ve left it so late compared to everyone else, considering many of my friends learned 20 years ago (wow, wish I didn’t just work that out).
But it also opens up so many opportunities for us. We have been looking into dog friendly hotels across the UK, yet it seemed impossible on a train, as they often were out in the country and we have very anxious dogs, which makes life a lot more difficult at times.
But I digress, as we start planning out our next road trip, I have been heavily researching about everything you need to know beforehand so I thought it was worth sharing.
The best road trips don’t start with a full tank or a boot stacked with tasty snacks…Even if they do make it more fun. No, they start with a car that’s in the best position to take on the long journey. Going through the theory test, I repeatedly had the question in the mock tests “when should you check the engine oil”, while the answer was “before a long journey”, finally I can put my knowledge into practice.
The freedom of the open road is intoxicating, or at least it looked it as I sat alongside my mates on many road trips over the past 20 years. You take detours that weren’t planned, you have music blasting with the windows down and the odd satisfaction that comes from stopping at services to eat your body weight in unhealthy food.
Yet all of that relies on something far less thrilling, whether the car is going to work. Hidden away under the car is one of the most overlooked travel companions of all, the exhaust system (I know, fun subject right). From quick patch-ups to a full exhaust replacement, giving it attention is the difference between a carefree road trip and a journey from hell.
Why Exhausts Deserve a Spot on the ‘Packing List’
Ask most people heading on a holiday what they do to prepare for a trip, and the answers will be predictable: Charge their phone, pack some snacks, maybe make a playlist so you’re not stuck listening to the radio. Hardly anyone remembers to check the exhaust….Me included.
But this quiet bit of engineering is doing a lot of heavy lifting. It keeps the drive smooth, stops fumes from sneaking into the car and ensures the car isn’t over consuming fuel like a marathon runner at a water station.
Without it in good condition, nothing else really matters, as the car simply won’t get you to where you want to go, or not healthily that is. Sometimes it’s a minor rattle that needs tightening (we all dread hearing that sound but hardly ever do something about it), other times the only real fix is a complete exhaust replacement before hitting the motorway. And that’s exactly where trusted garages make the difference, from small fixes to full exhaust replacement, Fife Autocentre can offer this service.
How to Spot Trouble Before It Ruins the Trip
No one wants to learn about exhaust problems halfway to the Highlands. The signs can be subtle at first, it might be a faint rattle while you’re driving, or a whiff of fumes that send your nostrils into overdrive (see what I did there), or that sinking feeling when the petrol gauge starts dropping faster than usual.
Vibrations under the seat or a loud humming are also red flags you should be looking out for. These are the car’s way of communicating to you that something isn’t right. If you don’t take action, these issues can often escalate, while the bill will also increase and nobody wants that. Waiting too long could mean a breakdown in the middle of the motorway, which is my absolute worst nightmare. So if you take the time to investigate before a big trip, you might be able to find a solution before the problem really compounds.
Topping Up The Engine Oil
I mentioned this earlier, as it’s something I learned in the theory test, but it’s important to top up the engine oil so it can sufficiently lubricate the different parts of the engine and reduce friction. If you happen to leave it to drop too low, then your engine might overheat. The cost of replacing the engine is horrific.
All you need to do is pop the bonnet open, find the dipstick (yep, it’s actually called that), which is a handle near the engine, pull it up and wipe it completely clean and then check the markers to see how much is there. You’ll see a minimum and maximum marker, just as important as not being too low, you also don’t want it above the maximum line, so be careful when topping it up.
Exhaust Replacement
The exhaust system is integral as it carries the gases away from the engine and directs them behind the car. You also have the muffler that reduces the noises you hear (hence why some older cars with a rubbish muffler are so loud). Plus you have the catalytic converter, which is integral with cleaning the emissions your car produces, to help the environment.
So can you hear any odd noises like a rattling or hissing? Can you smell fumes when you turn on the engine? Are there obvious holes or rust on the exhaust pipes? Check these three things before the big trip. An MOT should also help to ensure there are no damaged parts.
Sometimes it will be a whole system swap out if necessary, but you might only need a section removed and replaced, such as a back box, the middle pipe section or the catalytic converter. Each of these come with different price brackets, so it’s important to know this beforehand. If you’re lucky, any issue might just be the back box, which is the cheapest to fix.
Check Those Tyres
I swear, if a tyre comes off on the road, I’m in real trouble. I have no idea how to change a tyre, I guess it’s something I have to learn soon, but I’m just hoping I don’t get caught out before then. On the subject, make sure you have a spare tyre and that it’s pumped up to a decent level. So many people don’t pack a spare tyre and live to regret it down the line.
You should be checking the pressure in your tyres, while they can be inflated at a petrol station, or if you own a home compressor then you can actually do this yourself. If it has been cold recently then the pressure might need increasing, while the same can be said if you’re packing lots of bags or driving multiple people on a trip.
Make sure there are no big cracks or cuts in the tyre. You don’t want sidewall damage leading to a puncture, or wear on the tyres meaning your suspension doesn’t work effectively.
Working Brakes
Ever seen a movie where they’re driving and the brakes have been cut, scary right? Well I’m not hinting this will happen, unless you recently joined the Mafia, but brakes not working can be a serious issue which can prove fatal.
The brake pedal should feel firm when you push it down, it shouldn’t feel soft and spongy. You know your own car, so you should know the difference, don’t just presume you’ve trained your legs hard and suddenly you’re stronger, it’s never a good sign if the pedal feels spongy.
If you hear a noise when you use the brakes then this could be hinting that the pads are worn out. I remember riding my bike and the squeak it would let out when I braked due to the pads being worn to death, on a bike at 10mph it’s not too risky, but in a car on a motorway at 70mph, now that’s a different story.
You should also look out for whether the car pulls to one side when you brake. This is actually quite a common issue, but it’s a serious warning sign of an underlying issue and you need to go in and get it checked pronto.