What to keep in mind before taking the car out on the road

Like every year’s end, thousands of Argentines hit the road with their cars to spend the holidays with their loved ones or embark on the much-desired vacations in different parts of the country.

Although the car must check it permanently It is known that many do it in the moments before a trip to be sure that everything is in order.

However, that alone is not enough. There are also other issues to take into account such as how to charge it and how to prepare if we have a trip of many hours ahead of us.

The roles are also fundamental, always. They are the same whether to face a long trip or for an urban route of a few blocks. However, it doesn’t hurt to remember what they are.

After the recent DNU presented by Javier Milei, there was a lot of confusion about one of the measures that referred to the fact that only the identification card, registration and the last payment of the patent are necessary to circulate, omitting the VTV and insurance.

To be clear, as dictated by the Traffic Law 24,449 Both the VTV and the current insurance are mandatory to be able to circulate. Logically, the driver’s license (valid), green or blue card, DNI or identity card, current fire extinguisher with load control and triangle beacons.

Also patent plates placed visible, without alterations and in good condition, and have a first aid kit and refractory vest to wear in case of detention en route.

First of all, before leaving it is essential to check the status of the brakes, shock absorbers, lights, and tires In a mechanical workshop. It is also important to check balance and alignment.

Tires. They must be in perfect condition, be correct for the type of terrain that will be traversed and have the minimum required depth.

Although the legal limit is 1.6 mm, it is recommended that the drawing exceed 2 mm. You must make sure that the pressure is the one recommended by the manufacturer, as it will help their durability, ride comfort, and the life of the suspension system.

It is important not to forget the inflation of the spare tire with a few pounds above to compensate for possible pressure losses. If a tire has to be replaced during the holidays, it is essential that it be done with another one of the same dimensions and load capacity, to avoid accidents and damage to the car’s mechanics.

While to avoid problems with vibration, instability or tendency of the vehicle to drift, the tires must be aligned and balanced every 10 thousand kilometers or in the event that any of the above behaviors are observed.

Lights. On routes, highways, semi-highways and rural roads you must drive 24 hours a day with the low beams on. It is advisable to carry a replacement in the glove compartment to be able to continue driving in case one burns out (position, turning, high and low, although in some cases both are combined).

As for driving, do not activate the fog lights unless this phenomenon occurs. Its use in place of low beams is not authorized.

Refrigeration. One of the most common problems is engine overheating. If your vacation destination is a high altitude area (such as NOA or Cuyo) you must pay special attention to this issue, since at altitude the engine works harder than usual and needs optimal cooling.

It is really important to check the condition of the cooling system to prevent the engine from being damaged. Don’t forget to also check the air conditioning system. The lack of refrigerant gas charge can transform the trip into a real torture for the whole family, especially if you travel to the north or the central region of our country.

Brakes. Checking the brake system is essential before embarking on a trip, especially changing the brake pads if necessary, especially if your destination is a mountainous region. Remember to brake with the box during descents to prevent the disc from overheating due to excessive use of the brake.

Spare parts. Another tip is to carry basic tools and spare parts (belts, or filters), especially when you plan to travel to areas where you cannot count on mechanical assistance.

If you are planning a long trip, the ideal is to plan it in advance, planning stops every three hours for a period of 15 minutes to rest; and avoid driving at night as the level of attention and visibility decreases.

It is important to rest at least eight hours the night before, not to consume alcohol, medications, or foods that reduce reflexes while driving.

Those traveling in the vehicle must wear a seat belt, and the number of passengers allowed by the vehicle must also be respected.

In the case of the children, always carry them in the back seats. Additionally, if they are under 12 years old, they must travel with the appropriate device according to their weight and height: for babies, eggs, and for children up to 36 kg, approved safety seats. Statistically, the safest place is the center of the rear seats and, secondarily, the rear passenger seat.

In case of transporting petsthey must be secured with a harness, since if they are loose they represent a danger to the occupants.

Avoid leaving loose objects in the vehicle interior. In the event of sudden braking or a collision, these elements transform into a projectile and cause serious and irreversible injuries to those traveling.

Being overweight alters behavior and reaction times. Furthermore, poor distribution complicates visibility and increases risk. That is why it is vital not to exceed the maximum allowable weight established in the vehicle manufacturer’s manual.

When distributing packages, arrange the heaviest and largest ones in the trunk, at the bottom and in the back, and place the smallest and lightest ones on the side or on top of the suitcases or heavier items.

It is also important to compensate the load so that the vehicle has neutral dynamic behavior.

Do not place loose objects on the rear window or the passenger compartment and fasten all the seat belts in the rear seats even if they are not occupied. This will prevent a sudden maneuver or collision, the backrest(s) of the rear seats from giving way and objects hitting the occupants.

Luggage carrier. It is important to know that everything loaded above the roof will contribute to increasing fuel consumption because it will be modifying the aerodynamic coefficient of the car.

The vehicle will feel much more sensitive to side winds and crossings with other vehicles, especially large ones. And since it will also be varying its center of gravity, it will generate greater rolls and make it more unstable.