Post-Road Trip Vehicle Inspection & Car Wash

After a long trip, your car needs more care than you do. Dust, salt, and continuous mountain roads leave their mark. A post-trip inspection can save you multiple future visits to the repair shop.

View these four items first#

• Tire pressure and tread issues, including slow leaks from punctures, are common after long trips.
• Brake Pad Thickness and Brake Fluid Level
• Air and cabin air filters clog quickly on dusty roads.
• Check the underbody protection plate for impacts and inspect the oil pan for leaks.

Washing order#

After driving on salt-affected or muddy roads, rinse the undercarriage first, then wash the body. Thoroughly clean mud from wheel arches, suspension components, and running boards to prevent salt buildup and corrosion. After rinsing, check wipers, lights, and license plates; clogged plates can result in being stopped by authorities.

When to check#

Don't wash the car immediately upon arrival. Instead, walk around it first to note any scratches or unusual noises. Check the undercarriage the next day in sunlight, as oil stains are easier to spot in bright light.

Inspect Tire#

Check tread depth by touch; replace if below 3mm. Inspect sidewalls carefully for bulges and cracks. A slow leak from a nail won't deflate the tire immediately—check tire pressure after parking overnight for the most accurate reading.

Fluids and Filters#

Check the oil dipstick and coolant in the overflow tank; if low, inspect for leaks before refilling. Open the air filter and cabin air filter to check them; if dusty or dirty, replace them. Replacing these inexpensive parts (under $10) saves you from unpleasant odors on your journey.

Interior Cleaning#

Take out the floor mats and tap them. Use a vacuum to remove sand from seat crevices—do not rinse with water. Wipe the center console and buttons with a damp cloth; avoid using alcohol on the screen as it can damage the coating.

Records & Vouchers#

Keep maintenance records, gas receipts, and toll tickets in one folder for easy reimbursement and auditing. Retain all repair invoices to facilitate future issue tracking.

Before your next departure#

Check tires, brakes, lights, and wipers in 10 minutes. Schedule maintenance a week before long trips—not on departure day.

Chassis and Underbody Protection#

Lift the vehicle and inspect the underbody panels for deformation. Check the joint between the oil pan and transmission for leaks. After driving on gravel roads, exhaust hangers can loosen, causing noise from that area.

Lights and Wipers#

Test headlights, fog lights, and turn signals one by one; they burn out more often on overnight drives. Replace wiper blades if they leave streaks—this inexpensive part is critical for safe visibility in rain.

Spare Tire and Tools#

Check the spare tire pressure; it can slowly lose air when left unused. Return the jack, wrench, and warning triangle to their original locations so they're ready when you need them next.

Return & Maintenance#

Before returning the rental car, wash it and refill the tank as required by the contract. Take photos of any scratches at pickup and compare them with photos taken at return. If the mileage is nearing a service interval, schedule maintenance immediately instead of waiting until your next trip.

Pre-departure checklistXinjiang self-driving road conditionsSelect your vehicle modelRental Rates by Vehicle TypeFor new energy vehicles, inspect the battery guard plate and charging port. After sand intrusion, clean fine sand from the charging port to ensure proper connector contact. See related precautions below.EV self-driving charging。