Long-distance travel with the whole family or a business trip to remote places. An ordinary car enthusiast does not accept such trips on a mode of transport other than his own or company car. The desire is understandable - it is comfortable and convenient. back side medals - the load on the driver and the components of the car. First in long road experience will help, the second - careful preparation. Yes, the latter is indispensable. Excuses in the form of “yes, everything is fine with me” are not accepted.
Mechanic visit or how to prepare any car for a long trip in summer: technical aspects
The classic preparation process starts with the simplest - tire pressure analysis. For this procedure, it would be nice to have a compressor with a pressure gauge in order to quickly restore the required values. A few words about the latter: the number of Bar can be found in the instruction manual. Too lazy to rummage - look under the gas tank hatch or inspect the middle pillar of the body for informative stickers. And continue to try to control the parameter in all 4 tires after a long parking.Wheel inspection
Thorough preparation of the machine for long trip in the summer does not accept a mediocre attitude. While pumping the wheels, inspect the tires for wear. By its nature, one can judge the correct suspension geometry setting. Strongly worn tires– for scrap, drifts and demolitions on wet road belong to the category of undesirable and completely dangerous phenomena.
No one forces you to measure the critical value of 1.6 mm - focus on the marks that contain all modern and winter too. There were vibrations in the steering wheel high speeds- balance the wheels. Even if there were no such symptoms, it is better to play it safe - the bearings will say thank you.
Consumables
Whoever carried out scheduled maintenance on time, it’s easier for him. If the car is not under warranty, take care of it with redoubled perseverance. It is highly recommended to replace critical parts and fluids such as: 
- worn out brake pads.
- timing belts and attachments that are over 3-4 years old.
- Brake "slurry", which is more than 2 years old.
It will not be superfluous to analyze the condition of the engine oil. If the car was operated mainly in the city, and its mileage since the last lubricant change is approaching 7,500 km, there is only one verdict - change oily liquid along with the filter. Not necessary this procedure produce at the service station. If you don’t want to get dirty, take your canister and filter element with you - save.
Gear oil also loses its properties. Not as intensive as motor, but still requires replacement every two to three years or after 40-50 thousand km. You can’t neglect it - repairing the box is only a little cheaper than its capital.
Air conditioner
Climate control is far from last place in the process, how to prepare the car for a long trip in the summer, since it significantly affects the comfort of the crew. And yours climate system ready for the southern heat? Definitely better to check at the service station and refuel with refrigerant. Change to extreme cabin filter and clean the evaporator from germs - take a step towards maintaining health.
Cooling system
The classic trick is to open the hood and look at the coolant level in expansion tank. It should be between Min and Max risks. It will not be superfluous to diagnose the following elements: 
- Temperature sensor.
- Thermostat.
- Fan.
By the way, the radiator should also be cleaned. It is also possible inside, using a technique that describes, with your own hands. When washing outside, it is important to choose the right jet pressure so as not to injure the pliable honeycombs.
What else to check
So, the key units have been checked, serviced, and working capacity has been restored. In a word, you can go. But wait, the main criteria are not met - the driver did not make sure that the vehicle is visible and safe on the road. You need to do the following:
- Check the operation of all lighting and warning lamps for participants traffic.
- Top up the level in the windshield washer reservoir.
- Replace wipers.
What is the preparation of any car for a long trip in the summer: what to take with you
Cleanliness reigns inside, and wax sparkles on the outside. Everything - the car is ready to travel, but not completely. A package of auxiliary tools has not been formed. It is impossible to deny its presence - you never know what can happen on the road. Spare parts must also be available - it is impossible to predict the place of failure. There is a mechanic, but there is no shop - you must admit, an unfortunate situation.
As a result of preparation personal car for a long trip in the summer in the trunk should be: 
- Spare wheel, balloon and jack.
- Set for self-elimination punctures in tires.
- Bulbs, long wires of a small section, fuses of various ratings.
- Plastic clamps and heat-resistant tape, which are useful for repairing a broken hose or breaking through a muffler.
- Alternator and timing belts, filters, spark plugs.
- Cable.
- Set of auto mechanic in the form of keys, pliers, screwdrivers and side cutters.
If you set off on a journey in winter, take the same, but do not forget a shovel and light wires. Snow chains can also come in handy. In general, at any time of the year it would be nice to have one can of gasoline, a liter of engine oil, a prepared washer, an octane booster with you.
Total
There is nothing difficult in preparing a car for a long trip. It is enough to carry out unscheduled maintenance of units and assemblies, if necessary, change the oil and filter, and also fulfill a number of conditions:
- Inspect wheels for wear and proper pressure.
- Change consumables whose resource is coming to an end.
- Check the air conditioner.
- Run diagnostics on the cooling system.
- Make sure that the lights and lighting are working properly.
- Change wipers.
- Top up washer.
Be sure to bring a minimum set of tools and spare parts with you. The essentials also include maps and a navigator, a smartphone charger and a pocket trigger. To the place and a small first aid kit containing a set of effective drugs.
A long road is a difficult test not only for the driver, but also for his passengers. However, the main load will be experienced by the car itself. That is why, before starting a trip, it must be inspected for faults and, if found, eliminate them. Otherwise, the car may break down halfway through and overshadow the entire trip. Not to mention the fact that the money set aside for vacation will have to be spent on expensive repairs.
So before you go to long journey by car, it is necessary to check its technical condition. In case if vehicle during the ride it makes extra noise and vibrates, you should contact the service station. will be held there necessary diagnostics machine and identify the cause of noise and vibration. Also, do not postpone the replacement of the depreciation system, worn brake pads and a squealing timing belt.
Undoubtedly, . If it is low and does not correspond to the norm, topping up is required. When the liquids have exhausted their resource, it is required to completely replace them with new ones. First of all, this advice concerns oil in the engine and automatic transmission, antifreeze, as well as brake fluid. At the same time, top up or complete replacement liquids can be on your own and specialized service.
It doesn't hurt to check the air conditioner. If the condition of this accessory is unsatisfactory, it should be refilled and the filters replaced. Comfortable temperature conditions during the trip and can make the trip more enjoyable.
However, before long trip add water or special liquid V washer tank. The liquid contributes to a more effective cleaning of glasses, and in the event of a decrease temperature regime it is required to apply the so-called "anti-freeze".
On the eve of a long trip, you will also need to measure tire pressure. If it is below normal, it should be brought to the recommended value. Thanks to this, the machine will become more manageable, safer and will consume less fuel. It is also worth paying attention lighting fixtures. This applies not only to headlights, but also turn signals, as well as brake lights.
Auxiliary equipment and spare parts
On a long trip it is better to play it safe. In other words, a car enthusiast should take some auto parts and a set of tools with him on the road. Moreover, it is recommended to do this for beginners who have little understanding of the device of the machine. In the end, in case of minor, you can seek help from others, more experienced drivers. And since the necessary parts and inventory will be at hand, repairs will not take much time.
It is not uncommon for a wheel puncture to occur on the road. And if there is no tire service nearby, this problem becomes very serious. The presence of a spare wheel, a jack and the corresponding key can help solve it. Of course, you can not do without a pump. What it will be, hand or foot - is not so important.
Also, never forget about electrical devices, or rather - about fuses of various ratings. Together with them, wires of various sections and light bulbs should always be in the glove compartment. Clamps with heat-resistant tape will also come in handy. These seemingly insignificant things will help to prevent in the radiator grille, gas tank, etc. For these purposes, "cold welding" is also suitable.
If the car is rare, exclusive, not all auto parts will fit it. For this reason, the owners rare cars it is necessary to purchase the necessary auto parts in advance. After all, it is not a fact that in the region where the motorist goes, there are exactly the same auto parts.
It will not be superfluous on a long journey and tow rope. Also, a shovel and a wire designed for "lighting" will not interfere. It is worth stocking up with a set of keys, pliers, side cutters and other tools. Moreover, it is better to store all this not in a simple package or bag, but in a special box - so the tools will not rattle while driving.
Technical liquids "for every fireman"
Probably every motorist in his life faced with a situation where gasoline in fuel tank ends abruptly, and the car, as if rooted to the spot, stops in the middle of the road. And it doesn't matter if this happens in the city. But if this happens during a long trip, somewhere in the deaf country road when the nearest gas station is ten kilometers away, a canister of gasoline stored in the trunk will literally be saving. Also on the road, a radiator may leak, burst. In such cases, the situation will be saved by an “extra” jar of antifreeze, brake fluid.
It’s worth stocking up with engine oil, as well as a drug that increases octane number fuel. The latter is called differently: octane booster, octane corrector, octane plus. However, this does not change the essence.
Water or washer fluid may also come in handy when traveling. It will not be superfluous and a tool that effectively removes windshield and side mirrors of insects.
Useful Gadgets
There are drivers who are well oriented in any terrain. But the vast majority of motorists, once on an unfamiliar road, immediately lose their orientation and can easily get lost. Especially this problem relevant in distant road trips. That is why it is so important to take a navigator with you on the road. Traditional cards will not interfere either.
To be constantly in touch, motorists who are going on a long trip will also need charging for mobile phones and other gadgets. Most the best option- an inverter that converts the voltage to standard 220 watts. Will not become a burden for the driver and the power supply autonomous type. This accessory functions as starting device for the machine and the source of electricity. At the same time, they will prove useful on a long journey and a small portable refrigerator, and a mug with a heating option, and other mobile devices.
So, you have decided to go on a journey on your trusty iron horse! Of course, your car is reliable and has been driving regularly for months/weeks/years through the streets of your beloved city and its environs. Can anything happen away from home cozy nest? Only new impressions, new acquaintances, drive! But… is everything really so great?
So that there are no surprises, and troubles do not interfere with a pleasant pastime, Get your car ready for a long trip! It never hurts to at least check something and stock up on something.
By the way, in our country it is customary to travel by car (in winter, you won’t go far on a bicycle, but if you want to see Lake Baikal or the Pacific Ocean?).
Check the simplest things first: whether the rear-view mirror is working properly (you will need it for any desired maneuver - do not forget to look into it every time you are going to do something) and brake lights, adjust the headlights. Or maybe it's time to install foglights? In the city, this seems like a trifle, but on the highway, and even at night, it can lead to an accident.
Replace Consumables: engine oil, brake fluid, filters, candles, belts, brake pads. Even if you changed everything six months ago and nothing creaks or whistles. It would be nice to check the level of fluids that are in your car - antifreeze, oil, brake fluid - and grab a reserve supply, since situations can be different, everything will come in handy.
You can not save on yourself, especially on your safety. An extra 500 rubles won't do you any good, and the prospect of messing around with the car on the highway hardly looks tempting, especially in winter time year, you can quickly turn into a Bigfoot.
Also, do not be stingy with wheel alignment, so as not to inadvertently lead into a ditch on the road. And pay attention to the tires. All of a sudden she's very worn out. Then it should be replaced.
Pay special attention to the braking system. cracked brake hoses replace with new ones, eliminate brake fluid leaks, check brake discs and pads.
Make sure the suspension components and chassis V in perfect order, including rubber anthers and covers, is it necessary to replace shock absorbers, springs, silent blocks of front levers, ball joints, rear suspension arms.
The "brain" of the car is the engine. Adjust everything that is subject to adjustment and is regulated during operation (clearances in valve mechanism, belt and chain tension, ignition timing, carburetor, radiator, cooling fans).
If possible - both financially and in time - drive the car into a service and give it to the caring hands of specialists. Travel is a serious test for your iron friend, so all his "horseshoes" should be in a state as close to ideal as possible.
All fixed, checked? Amazing. But this is not a guarantee that everything will be in order. What you need to take with you "just in case of a fire". It all depends on which of you is a specialist in the field of auto mechanics.
If you know little, then enough "classic" set: first aid kit (check the expiration dates of medicines!), rope, sign emergency stop, fire extinguisher and canister. If you are able to fix the car yourself on occasion, then the list will be long. The tool is always useful. We take keys and heads from 8 to 24 mm, the car is full of all kinds of bolts and screws - you never know what you need to unscrew and screw. A candle wrench, screwdrivers, pliers, a jack, a pump, files, sandpaper will also not be superfluous - suddenly something ... And it is important that all this is not scattered all over the trunk and the car as a whole. and neatly folded into a small bag or plastic box.
Do not forget to bring atlases and maps with you. With their help, develop the best route - calculate the consumption of gasoline in advance. In addition, you can immediately highlight for yourself some priority places that you definitely need to visit. Calculate the speed of movement and consider the places of the proposed stops. It is better to choose them closer to settlements or traffic police posts. Just in case. Better yet, install a navigation system in your car. GPS system. For such a journey, this is the most indispensable thing. If you can still contemptuously brush aside in the city - this is for people suffering from topographic cretinism, who cannot distinguish Polyanka Street from Yakimanka Street - then you cannot do without a navigator on a trip. And if you are a solid person, and a simple navigator does not suit you, you can install a real computer in the car (What? A smart idea!). This is a DVD, and MP3, and a connection with the whole world!
Continuing the conversation about electronics in the car - think about how you will communicate mobile phone ! The mobile phone in the hands of the driver is a potential cause of the accident. At speeds over 100 km/h, the slightest inattention can cost you and your companions their lives. Use wireless hands-free and speakerphone.
Does your car have a device for powering chargers, razors, laptops? There are a huge number of them on the market. Choose the one that suits you best and install it in your car.
Of course, in addition to the "smart" and necessary equipment, you can also install in the car ... for example, a portable coffee maker, a refrigerator, a massager in the driver's seat and much more. Although ... everyone decides for himself. It is much more pleasant to stop on the highway and drink coffee from a thermos, looking at the cars passing by. And don't forget that every extra kilogram in the car, albeit not by much, but still will increase fuel consumption, which, given the long distances, can eventually result in a tidy sum.
Pay attention to which roads you have to go: asphalt or dirt road. It is important to be ready to change pavement, although winter blizzards more often "level" it.
Gasoline, of course, fill the full tank.
All things for the journey must be collected a day before your departure. When gathering in a hurry, you run the risk of forgetting something. Therefore, there will be time to remember and double-check everything.
Before the trip, the driver needs to get enough sleep. At least 9 - 10 hours. The road takes a lot of energy, which should be stocked up in advance.
And do not forget to turn to heaven before the trip (so did all our ancestors and contemporaries, by the way, too).
It is better to leave in the pre-dawn twilight so that you can travel as far as possible during the day, and stop for the night in the evening.
The most dangerous time of day for movement is sunset and dawn. Be ready, do not make rash actions. Stops should be made at least every 400 - 500 kilometers. By the way, if several people are traveling in a car, it is recommended to change the driver also every 400 - 500 kilometers.
And do not forget to follow the Rules of the Road - your life and health and your passengers depend on it. Road markings make life easier. Now all over Russia, and even more so in European countries, the markings can be seen perfectly even in winter. Believe me, it was not drawn for beauty, it is necessary for you - travelers.
If you follow these simple rules, any trip will give you real pleasure!
Happy journey and new bright impressions!
When going on a long trip by car, it is useful to think about its preparation, and about the minimum necessary set spare parts and tools.1. Technical condition machines (or what to check first).
* Replace all consumables: engine oil, brake fluid, spark plugs, belts, filters (air, fuel), brake pads, if the time has come to do this or the need for this will come during the trip.
* Check the oil level not only in the engine, but also in the gearbox, steering.
* Arrange a complete inspection brake system, replace cracked brake hoses with new ones, eliminate even the slightest smudges of brake fluid.
* Make sure that the suspension elements and chassis are in good condition (including rubber anthers and covers), especially carefully check the CV joint covers.
* Check condition wheel bearings(having hung the wheel, vertically, i.e. with one hand push the wheel from top to front, with the other hand pull the wheel from below towards you, and also horizontally, if there is play, it is better to replace the wheel bearing).
* In the engine, everything that is only subject to adjustment should be adjusted (belt tension, clearances in the valve mechanism, ignition timing).
* It would be useful to check the condition of the candles, high voltage wires, battery and terminals. Old spark plugs should be replaced. High voltage wires it is better to check in the evening or at night - if the wires spark, it will be clearly visible. Replace old wires. The battery must be completely filled, the density of the electrolyte is 1.27. The terminals must be free of sulfate deposits. If the terminals are dirty and overgrown with salt, they must be cleaned either special device for cleaning, or a round file, at worst, just a knife. Heavily salted terminals can be placed for a day in a solution of ordinary baking soda. After that, it will be much easier to remove plaque. Check at the same time the operation of the regulator relay. With the engine running, the alternator should produce a stable voltage of about 14.5 V.
* It is highly desirable to adjust the angles of the front wheels, and to balance the wheels.
* Electrician, inspect everything is on, whether the headlights are shining correctly, if a malfunction is found, we change the light bulbs, it does not light up again, we clean the place of poor contact.
* Mandatory inspection and prevention of windshield wipers.
* Checking tire pressure, not less than 2 atm. and better 2.2 atm.2. What to take with you on the road.
* Fire extinguisher, Rope, Flashlight, Warning triangle.
* Jack, spare wheel, balloon wrench.
* A set of tools (not very bulky, but varied).
* Complete the set with a medium weight hammer, a set of various wires, clamps and wires, and a tester
* A small bottle of brake fluid.
* In the first-aid kit, do not forget to add funds for headaches and stomach pain.
* Products, money.3. Just in case You will be prudent if you make a photocopy of the first pages of your passport, driving license, technical passport on the car and hide these papers somewhere in the car. In case of loss of documents and when contacting the police, verifying your identity and issuing relevant certificates that allow you to continue moving or return home without problems will take a minimum amount of time and nerves.
As for money: do not keep all the money in one wallet, you can write a fake pin code on a plastic card, they will think that it is correct, and enter it several times, which is what we need :)
Many insurance companies can insure your car for the duration of the trip, and it will cost quite inexpensively. It is only necessary to clarify in detail with the agent the conditions for obtaining insurance upon the occurrence insured event especially if you are away from home.Do not forget to bring atlases and maps with you. With their help, develop the best route - calculate the consumption of gasoline in advance. In addition, you can immediately highlight for yourself some priority places that you definitely need to visit. Calculate the speed of movement and consider the places of the proposed stops. It is better to choose them closer to settlements or traffic police posts. Just in case. Better yet, install a GPS navigation system in your car. For such a trip, this is the most indispensable thing. If you can still contemptuously brush aside in the city - this is for people suffering from topographic cretinism, who cannot distinguish Polyanka Street from Yakimanka Street - then you cannot do without a navigator on a trip. And if you are a solid person, and a simple navigator does not suit you, you can install a real computer in the car (What? A smart idea!). This is a DVD, and MP3, and a connection with the whole world!
