After your adventure, while you’re resting and recovering, don’t forget to give your car a full spa treatment as well.
1. Inspect the Body and Paint
You can do this at home—simply wash the car thoroughly and walk around it, carefully checking for any signs of damage. Pay extra attention to the front and rear bumpers and the sides.
2. Check the Tires
It’s recommended to have this done at a 4S shop, especially if you’ve driven on mountain roads or uneven surfaces—this check is a must. First, check whether the tire pressure is normal on all four tires. Then inspect the sidewalls and the tread for obvious damage or bulges. Third, check the tread grooves for any debris like stones. Also, assess the overall tire wear. It’s best to get a wheel alignment done at the 4S shop.
3. Inspect the Undercarriage
If the roads you traveled on were in good condition, you likely don’t need to worry too much about the undercarriage. But if you drove on rough roads, it’s necessary to check whether the underside has been scratched. You can have professionals at a 4S shop inspect the undercarriage, or you can do a simple self-check by looking for any oil leaks on the ground where you park.
4. Check All Fluids and Liquids
This also requires a visit to a 4S shop. The main items to check include: 1) Ensure all fluids (oil, coolant, etc.) are at adequate levels and that the oil quality is good. 2) Check the powertrain and drivetrain for any oil leaks, focusing on major components like the engine, transmission, and rear axle. Typically, after a long drive, it’s common to find a drop in coolant and engine oil levels. Be sure not to mix different grades of engine oil.
5. Inspect and Clean the Engine Fuel System
Fuel quality can vary significantly across regions, especially at gas stations in more remote areas—it’s hard to guarantee 100% quality. Using low-grade or substandard gasoline can seriously harm the engine and fuel system. On one hand, it may cause engine knocking and unusual noises; on the other, the engine might run weakly, consume more fuel, and in severe cases, even damage internal components. This check is particularly important for those who have gone on long road trips.
6. Check the “Two Filters”
After a long journey, dust can easily accumulate in the air conditioning filter. In humid weather, failing to clean the AC in time can lead to bacterial growth, affecting your health. When you resume driving after your trip, it’s best to clean or disinfect the car’s air conditioning system—or replace the cabin air filter. Also, check the engine bay’s air filter. Excessive dust buildup can cause wear on various engine components, and restricted airflow may reduce engine performance.
7. Inspect the Brake System
Brake systems vary by vehicle. The most common types are drum brakes and disc brakes. For drum brakes, you’ll need to remove the drums to check for dust accumulation inside and to assess brake pad wear. For disc brakes, you can visually inspect the brake disc surface through the alloy wheels for signs of wear. If you feel the brakes are less responsive, or if you hear squeaking or grinding noises when braking, it’s best to have them inspected at a 4S shop.