Vehicle Health check and preparation

1. Service done
1. New engine oil
2. Clean/new air Filter
3. Clean/new diesel, petrol and oil filters
4. Check glow plugs for diesel engine. Actual inspection to make sure all work
5. If possible, clean out diesel/petrol tank for debris. Low quality fuel will add a lot anyways
6. No cracked drive etc., belts. Sharp variation in temperature over a short time can snap the
weakest links in chain
7. No hoses should have even hairline cracks. These tend to expand and grow due to sudden
pressure/temperature differential changes. Low air pressure (600mbar as opposed to 1000mbar)
puts additional stress on pressurized systems
8. Clutch in top shape. Conditions can hasten demise of a clutch which is on its last legs.
9. New brake pads. Fast downhill sections are plenty, and eat pads even if you use engine braking
wherever possible
10. Inspect critical systems like power steering, spark plugs, etc.,
11. Get greasing done wherever applicable (hubs, propeller shaft etc.,)
2. Suspension inspection done
1. All bushes in top notch shape
2. Engine mounts proper
3. No leaking shockers
3. Tires
1. Adequate tread depth
2. No cuts or nicks, and not too many existing punctures
3. No low profile "performance tires"
4. Cooling system
1. No leaks in system, not even minor evaporative
2. Engine temperature not exceeding "recommended parameters" in city traffic with AC on - You
may need to drive with an OBD-II scanner for this
3. Proper coolant-water ratio used. No "just water" in radiator.
5. Body
1. Window runners(rubber) in proper shape
2. No missing screws or fasteners in bumper, cladding etc.,
3. All lights working
4. Wiper proper with no streaking
6. Other
1. AC system in top condition
2. If pollen filter etc., in system, make sure its clean
3. Make sure recirculation control is not faulty. Dust in cabin can be a major annoyance and a
health risk
4. Window demister working
5. Install sump guard if not fitted or broken

VEHICLE CARE and TROUBLE SHOOTING

The highway is extremely dusty, no matter which route. So once you reach Leh, clean your air filter. If there is
no workshop for your vehicle, remove air filter and get it cleaned from a big Carwash near the Leh Airport. Ask
anyone for directions. This is a must do. Doing this will keep your engine healthy.
If you are in a diesel vehicle, remember, cold starting, esp at altitude can be troublesome. A tarp covering the
engine bay like this can allow a quick start next morning.
The Tarp is to be placed such that there is no heat loss from the front grill. At night before sleeping, keep engine
on for 10-15 minutes to get to atleast 50-60% of max operating temperature (temp guage at 1/4th or so). With
tarp in front, this can quickly happen with just 10 minutes of idling even at sub zero. This will ensure trouble
free start for the next 8 hours or so.

If your vehicle does not start (esp for diesels) do not panic. First check whether you can prime the manual diesel
pump. If diesel is not flowing freely, push car in sun, and give multiple cranks while priming the pump.
Eventually it will start.

Cold weather can also cause starter motor solenoid to get stuck. If engine does not turn on cranking, first rule
out a dead battery. After that put vehicle in gear, rock back and forth using 2-3 people for the job. And then
crank again.

If you observe slight coolant loss, do not worry. Happens in some vehicles which have overflow tank instead of
a de-gassing chamber. Simply top up with required ratio of coolant-water. Some high pass climbs can lead to
coolant spray from overflow tank. Its normal.
1. A Powerful torch [something which will last longer/rechargeable]
2. A Pen Torch, emergency lights
3. A Serrated Knife
4. A pen/pencil set (one kept in car and another in purse)
5. 2 locks for room and good key chain.
6. A Universal Plug Adapter [to charge batteries]
7. Sunglasses
8. Sunscreen lotion
9. Medical & first-aid kit
10. Binoculars
11. Water Bottle thermoflask
12. Water bottle for windshield cleaning
13. Camera
14. Memory card
15. Music collection in pen drive from Rajesh & online
16. Directions printout, including return directions
17. Contact details
18. In-car sun shades
19. Neck pillows and regular pillows
20. Sleeping bag & bedding
21. Liquid Soap, Shampoo & conditioner, sanitizer, paper soap
22. Bathroom kit with shaving accessories
23. Woolen clothes
24. Cap, belt, socks, sleepers, shoes, temple chappals
25. Deo, sprays, moisturizing cream, combs
26. Towels, underwear
27. Water bottles & glass
28. Laptop, game player, kindle, dongle
29. Chargers for above all
30. Powerbank
31. All-out
32. Data plans & roaming plans, dongle recharge
33. Snacks, dry fruits, protein bars, faki, churna
34. Medicines
35. Cloth hanging rope & soap, cleaning brush
36. Puncture kit
37. Radiator Coolant
38. Car inverter, napster, toothpick, paper clip
39. Originals and copies of ID cards
40. Car documents, Drivers License for both
41. Diary & pen, Clipboard, stapler
42. Pouch, plastic bags, newspapers,
43. Umbrella and Raincoat
44. Expense software
45. Car refrigerator?
46. Atlas maps (prefer Eicher, IMS, otherwise TTK)
47. Chewing gum, mouth fresher, dhana daal, sopari, fennel seeds powder
48. Reading glass
49. Cricket bat, ball, stress relieving ball, back support pillow/towel
50. Swiss knife, spoons, forks, plates, bowls, paper napkins, toilet tissue
51. Mug, car cleaning cloths, windshield spray (colin), water bottle,
52. Car cleaning spray, microfiber cloths, sponge, tow rope,
53. Cash, cheque book, ATM card (check balance), change for toll
54. Tea kettle & ready mix for tea
55. Wet tissues
56. Relispray / Volini
57. Settings for home automatic lights
58. Plant watering keys
59. Locker
60. Night dress
61. Buckle, pins, jewelery, makeup kit, purse
62. Mobile chargers
63. Inform Vijaybhai, Dada, Ravi
64. Fill water tank
65. Close RMC taps in water tank downstairs
66. Cover solar heater
67. Clear all payments & receipts
68. Car wash, oil check, filter, air pressure (including spare)
69. Shut down internet wifi, selected MCB
70. Close back door, terrace door
71. Mango
72. Plastic covers / large bags
73. Ankle belt pink paato
74. ORS, AMS medicine (Diamox)
75. Fill Diesel
76. Extension board
77. PUC check
78. Monkey cap, jackets, cotton balls, ear cups, etc.
79. Download local google maps (offline)
80. Charge camera battery, laptop, mobile battery, kindle battery,
81. List of top attractions in every city / on the way
82. List of diesel fueling pumps
83. Subscribe to roaming calling plans & recharge for all prepaid cards
84. Shift plants outside
85. Swimming trunks & tee
86. Scooter parking in back side