Now that we are in a state of “opening-up”, you may be thinking about the possibility of a summer vacation or road trip. Before you hit the road, you should make sure your car is ready for the trip, and you’ve got all the right necessities packed in case of an emergency. Here are some tips we have for preparing your vehicle for a road trip:
Check fluids and top off as needed.
Check your car’s fluids including the transmission fluid, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, oil, power steering fluid and break fluid. Top off any that are low, and keep extras of each fluid in your trunk in case you need them.
Get oil changed if needed.
Check when your last oil change was. If it has been over 3,000 miles since your last oil change, now would be a great time to get it changed before the long trip.
Check car brakes.
Make sure the car brakes are at least 50%. If they are lower, you should have them changed. This is particularly important if you plan on driving over 1,000 miles or through steep terrain.
Check car battery and cables.
Make sure cables are securely attached to your car’s battery and the battery and cables are free of any corrosion. Car batteries usually last between 3-5 years.
Replace wipers if needed.
There’s nothing more frustrating than smeared, streaky windshield during a downpour. Check your windshield wipers and see if they give you a clear view our your window. If not, replace before you begin your trip.
Make sure all lights are working.
Make sure all car lights are working including brake lights, headlights, taillights and turn signals. If any bulbs seem dim or defective, get them replaced.
Check the tires, including the spare.
Replace tires if they are showing any treat wear. Look for uneven tread wear and check the alignment if necessary. Check tire pressure in all tires, including the spare, and make sure they are all inflated to the proper tire pressure.
Have a mechanic do a safety inspection.
Though you can do all these checks yourself, it’s not a bad idea to get a second pair of eyes to look over your car. A few weeks before your trip, take your car to the mechanic and have they do a general safety inspection to double-check nothing is wrong with your vehicle.
There’s no quicker way to ruin a road trip than running into car troubles. Following these road trip preparation trips will help ensure you have a safe, fun and trouble-free vacation.
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We hope you enjoyed this post. If there is anything else we can do to help you feel free to call us at (805) 466-2446 (Atascadero) or (805) 239-8752 (Paso Robles). And be sure to stay connected with us on Facebook as well!
