We have created a detailed checklist for you to go through before long trips.
1. Tires
very important before long Trips and high loading.
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Tire pressure check when tires are cold
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Pressure for increased load for the Vacation adjust
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Legal tread depth: 1.6 mm
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Recommended tread depth: 4 mm
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Tire age check (DOT)
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Check for cracks
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Check for dents
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Check for foreign objects
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To uneven wear pay attention
Do not forgotten:
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Spare tire or Puncture repair kit check
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Jack & Tool including wheel lock key available?
2. Fluids
Checks all fluid levels in the vehicle; if the level is below minimum, the cause should be investigated.
Engine oil:
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Oil level at cold Engine check
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Do not above Maximum fill
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Suitable Oil for the engine use
Coolant:
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level between MIN and MAX
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Color normal? Coolant should never be clear or brown
Brake fluid:
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Should slightly yellow and clear be
- If the brake fluid is cloudy or dark, it should be changed immediately
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Low level may indicate wear or Leak indicate
Windshield washer fluid:
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Windshield cleaner refill
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Enough Spare take along
Power steering / Transmission oil:
Only check, if by manufacturer intended.
AdBlue (Diesel):
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before long trip complete refill
3. Battery
If the battery is already a few years old, a check before the start of the trip is recommended even without warning signs.
Especially important with:
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Battery older than two years
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Short trips
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Downtimes
Warning signs:
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Engine start takes longer
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Lighting flickers
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Start-stop working not more
4. Brakes
Before long trips, the braking system should be checked for wear and other defects; if you are unsure, we recommend having it checked by a professional workshop. This is especially important before trips to the Alps and mountainous areas as well as before towing, as these conditions cause increased stress and accelerated wear.
Pay attention on:
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wear
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vibrations when Brakes
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grinding or squeaking
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pulling to side
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soft Brake pedal
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poor braking performance
5. Lighting
Lighting should also be checked before driving; if you go to the workshop before your vacation, you can have the lights adjusted.
Check:
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Low beam
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High beam
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Daytime running light
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Brake light
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Turn signal
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Reverse light
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Fog lights
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License plate lighting
Tip:
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replacement bulbs or LED-compatible Spare take along
6. Air conditioning
Air conditioning check:
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Cools they quickly?
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Unusual Noises?
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Musty smell?
Possibly.:
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Cabin filter replace
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climate disinfection perform
7. Wipers & Visibility
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wiper blades on streaking check
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windshield on stone chips check
- clean windows inside and outside
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mirrors clean
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headlights clean/polish
8. emergency equipment
required:
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safety vest(n)
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warning triangle
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first aid kit (not expired)
very useful:
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flashlight
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jump leads
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spare fuel canister
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tire compressor
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power bank
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gloves
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fuses
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tow rope
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water
9. documents
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driver’s license
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vehicle registration
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ID card/passport
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insurance card
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international protection letter
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emergency numbers
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environmental stickers
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toll devices/vignettes
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entry requirements for people and animals check
10. Navigation & Electronics
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maps update
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offline maps download
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phone holder check
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chargers test
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music/podcasts prepare
11. loading properly distribute
Important:
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heavy items after bottom
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do not place loosely stack
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roof box correctly secure
Note:
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higher consumption
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longer braking distance
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adjusted tire pressure
Tip:
- Keep warning triangle, first aid kit, tools, spare bulbs, and fuses within reach
12. miscellaneous
recommended:
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fault memory read out
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oil change check
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service intervals inspect
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underbody brief check
- Check for fluid leaks