For Drivers: How to Prepare Your Car for a Long Route

A long route puts a car to the test. The desert highway between Bukhara and Khiva, a mountain pass on the way to the Fergana Valley, summer heat of forty degrees: in every case a little preparation spares you breakdowns and stress. This matters especially when you have passengers relying on you. Here is what to check before routes like Bukhara — Khiva and Tashkent — Fergana.

A few days before departure

Do not put the check off until the morning you leave. If something turns up, you need time left for repairs.

1. Give the car a general inspection or take it for diagnostics at a service station.
2. Check that no fault lights are on the dashboard.
3. Make sure your vehicle documents, driving licence and insurance are with you and valid.
4. Plan the route in advance: where the filling stations are and where you can stop to rest.

Tyres and wheels

Tyres matter most under long loads and heat.

• Pressure. Check the pressure in all wheels, including the spare, against the manufacturer's values. In heat and under full load it matters particularly.
• Tread wear. If the tread is badly worn, it is better to replace the tyre before the trip.
• Sidewall condition. Cracks, bulges and cuts are grounds for replacement.
• Spare wheel. Make sure it is inflated and in good condition, that you have a jack and wheel wrench, and that you know how to use them.

Engine, oil and cooling

• Check the engine oil level and change it if the interval is due.
• Check the coolant level: overheating in the heat is a common reason for stops.
• Inspect belts and hoses for cracks.
• Make sure the cooling fan works.
• Check the washer fluid level: in dusty areas it is needed constantly.

Brakes and suspension

Before a long route with passengers and luggage, check the brake pads, discs and brake fluid level. Listen for odd sounds when braking and on bumps. Mountain sections and descents put heavy load on the brakes, so on these stretches drive in a lower gear. It is better to fix suspension faults in advance: bad roads expose them quickly.

Gas equipment

Many cars in Uzbekistan run on gas, and this needs to be considered.

• Have the gas cylinder and equipment inspected on time and observe certification deadlines.
• Inspect connections for leaks: a smell of gas is grounds to stop immediately and fix the cause.
• Make sure the cylinder holds enough for a long stretch, and that you know in advance where to refill: on some highways gas stations are sparse.
• Remember that if the car is dual-fuel, petrol as a reserve can save you on the road.

Entrust any work on gas equipment only to qualified specialists.

Air conditioning and ventilation

In summer on a desert route, air conditioning is a must. Check that it cools, has no odd smells and that the cabin filter is clean. Passengers in a hot car quickly feel unwell, which affects reviews. In winter make sure heating and window heating work.

Lights, glass, wipers

• Check the headlights, indicators, brake lights and side lights.
• Wipe the windows and mirrors and replace worn wiper blades.
• For evening and night driving, clean headlights and working lights are especially important.

What to keep in the car

• spare wheel, jack, wheel wrench;
• first-aid kit and fire extinguisher;
• warning triangle and a reflective vest;
• tow rope;
• pump or compressor;
• a water supply for driver and passengers, especially in summer;
• charger and power bank;
• torch;
• spare oil and coolant;
• gloves and wipes.

On the road

• Stop every two hours to rest and let the car cool.
• Do not speed and keep a safe distance.
• On desert stretches, refuel in advance and do not wait for the tank to run empty.
• Watch engine temperature and the gauges.
• Tell passengers about stops and unexpected delays.

If something goes wrong

Switch on hazard lights, pull over, set out the triangle, call for help and tell passengers and the Yo'ldosh app about the delay. Calm and honest information preserves trust, even if the trip does not go to plan.

Read more about driving on the for drivers page, and see all directions on the all routes page.

Cover photo: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jacob Nunnenkamp, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons.