Documents and money

India specifics. Carry originals or valid digital copies where the law accepts them.

• Registration certificate (RC)
• Valid insurance
• Valid pollution under control (PUC) certificate
• Driving licence
• FASTag fitted, with enough balance
• Permits for your route, where required
• Some cash, for places with no card or UPI signal
• Emergency contacts saved, and your route shared with someone

Route and fuel

• Fuel stops and distances planned, remembering the 40 L tank
• Weather and road conditions checked
• Offline maps downloaded
• A daylight plan, with a time to turn back
• Tank full before you leave the last fuel point

Tires and wheels

• Pressures checked cold, and set for the load
• Tread and sidewalls checked for cuts and bulges
• Spare checked for pressure and condition
• Wheel nuts tight
• Tire plug kit and compressor tested and in the car

Fluids and engine

• Engine oil level
• Coolant level
• Brake fluid level
• Washer fluid topped up
• Diff and transfer case oil looks clean, not milky
• Radiator clear of mud, grass and debris
• Battery terminals tight

Steering, suspension and underbody

• Steering rod, tie rods and damper straight and tight
• No leaks under the car
• Guards and skid plates secure, if fitted
• No bent, loose or noisy suspension parts
• No play in the steering

Brakes and lights

• Brake pedal feels normal
• Handbrake holds
• Headlights, indicators and brake lights work
• Wipers work

Load and recovery

• Load weighed or estimated against your payload
• Heavy items low and secured
• Roof load kept light
• Recovery kit complete
• First aid kit in the car
• Water for everyone, plus spare

Last look

• Phone charged, with a power bank and cable
• Torch or headlamp working
• Warning lamps off, including the tire pressure warning
• Someone knows where you are going and when you will be back