There are no more travel restrictions on returning to the hometown to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year!
The joy is now back after two years of battling with Covid-19 restriction and not being able to celebrate Raya in their hometown!
As we are happy as we should be able to reunite with our loved ones, let’s prepare the checklist for long-distance driving. Thorough preparation will be helpful to ensure your safe drive and prevent possible hazards on the road.
Read on as we share the vehicle checklist before embarking journey back to your hometown!
Vehicle checklist before going back to hometown
Check mileage
Important! Check your car service due and mileage before embarking on a long-distance trip. Please make sure to have your car serviced if the due is near.
We advise you to set an early appointment with your car service center. Do not put off the service to prevent you from missing out!
Check the condition of tyre
A car tyre is the only component that comes into indirect contact with the road. Tyre grip is the most critical element when it comes to an emergency.
Please make sure the tyre is properly inflated. Do not forget to check the tyre tread wear too.
Check the brake
The third checklist you need to do is check your car’s brakes. Brakes are an essential part of a vehicle in ensuring your driving is smooth and safe. It gives you the ability to stop or slow down in a split second.
But, the brake pad is not the only responsible component for stopping your vehicle. Please check the brake fluid level too. Ensure the fluid is up to the recommended fill line.
Check the engine oil
To your knowledge, your engine oil will be replaced every time you send your car for service. However, you can also check and change it by yourself at home. Please use a high-quality engine oil when changing it.
The steps are simple. Dip in the dipstick oil to check the colour and the recommended level. Please make sure the oil does not exceed the recommended level because it may leave sediment that will get thicker in the engine reservoir. This will only cause other damage to the engine.
Engine fluid is necessary to ensure your car engine runs smoothly (quietly) without any problems on the road.
Check the air-conditioner
Please check your car air-conditioner by switching it to recirculation mode at maximum cooling capacity and high-temperature blower.
The air-conditioner fan needs to spin and check the sign glass to see its condition. It must not have air foam in it. If you spot air foam, it indicates the gas is in a low stage or pipe leakage.
Windscreen wipers
Some drivers may skip checking the windscreen wiper.
Please check the wiper’s condition before you go on a long-distance trip. The windscreen is necessary to prevent your vision from being affected, especially when it rains.
If your wipers do not remove the water from the windscreen, it is better to replace it immediately.
You may refer to our previous article to learn how to choose windscreen wipers for your car.
Check the car lights
Do not forget to check all your exterior car lights. It is vital to ensure your car’s safety at night and during bad weather.
Please make sure to check these lights:
- Headlights
- Taillights
- Brake lights
- Turn signal lights
- Hazard lights
- Fog lights
- Reverse lights
Car battery
A car battery’s lifespan depends on your driving style. Typically, it can last an average of two years. If you have not changed your car battery for quite a while, please check it and change it immediately.
If you have trouble starting your car engine, please suspect a failing battery.
Reload your Touch ‘n Go card
It is compulsory now for all motorists to use the Touch ‘N Go card to get through highway tolls. Therefore, don’t forget to reload your Touch N’ Go card to avoid congestion at the tolls due to insufficient balance.
You can reload the Touch ‘N Go card anywhere. You may also do it online using the Touch ‘N Go e-wallet application on your smartphone. No more excuse for you not to reload it now!
Make sure insurance and roadtax are still unexpired
Please make sure your vehicle is covered with insurance coverage and has a valid roadtax. In addition to avoiding summons at a roadblock, you are also protecting your car in the event of an untoward accident.
Immediately renew your insurance and roadtax today before it expires. It takes only 10 minutes to renew your insurance if you do it online at Bjak.
Do not take this lightly. Insurance coverage is crucial to prevent financial burdens in case you get involved in a road crash.
You have checked out the vehicle checklist. What else to do?
Please note there are other things that you must do before you leave your house!
Inform your neighbour
Inform any of your trusted neighbours that you will be away for a few days. Kindly ask them to oversee your house from far and notify you if anything suspicious happens.
Get enough sleep
Make sure you get a good enough sleep before going on a long-distance trip. This prevents you from falling asleep while driving, thus, endangering your life and other road users’.
Please also refrain from consuming medications that can cause sleepiness. You can also take turns driving with the other passenger.
Switch your electricity off
Is there no one at your house? If you are away from your house for quite a while, please ensure all electricity is turned off.
You surely do not want a fire-related accident to happen to your house!
Lock your house
Don’t forget to lock your house, including all doors and windows. Keep them secured to avoid possible theft during your absence.
Keep necessary tools in car trunk for an emergency
We advise you to keep an emergency car kit stored in your car in the event of an emergency. These tools will be helpful to assist you in case your car breaks down, your tire blows out, or your gas runs out.
Perform vehicle checklist: Safe drive to your hometown
We wish you a safe drive to your hometown for the Raya celebration. Do not forget to follow the vehicle checklist shared above to ensure your car is safe for driving and your house is shielded from unwanted burglary.
Value your life and your loved ones!
Bjak is one of Malaysia’s biggest insurance comparison websites, offering policies from over 10 brands. Get your free insurance quote from Bjak today!
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