Three things to check on your car after a road trip

BERLIN: If your car has brought you back home safe and sound after a long trip, then it's time to reward it with a bit of love.

Inspect these three things, and you'll be doing yourself some favours by reducing the risk of long-term damage.

Paintwork

Check the paintwork for any bits where there are scratches or damage from pebbles. Touch these up with some colour will prevent rust in the longer term, say the experts at Germany's ADAC car club.

Fluids

After a long trip, make sure to check not just your oil, but all fluids, - from coolant to windshield washer fluid. Refill everything in line with the manufacturer's instructions. And if you should notice that your car is getting through far more coolant than usual, contact a mechanic to figure out why.

Tyres

It's also worth taking a careful look at the tyre tread depth and to check for damage or wear and tear. If you raised the air pressure before your trip in order to carry a heavier load than usual, now is a good time to return it to the regular level.

Now's also a good time to give your car a wash, and clearing out the boot and interior will certainly help you be more thorough on the inside. Clean the windows carefully, too, as dirt and grime will only increase the risk of glare, making it harder to see, especially when the sun is low in the sky.