Road trips are a great way to visit new parts of the country and spend time with family and friends. The key to a successful trip is preparation, including getting your vehicle ready. Follow these tips when preparing your car for road trips to help prevent problems on the road.
Check the Tires
Tires are an essential part of your vehicle when it comes to keeping you safe. Before heading out on the road, there are a few areas you should check on the tires. First, make sure the tire pressure is at the recommended PSI. You can usually find this on a label inside the car door or in your vehicle’s owners manual. Make sure to use a good-quality pressure gauge or have it checked by a mechanic. Also, make sure to check the tread on your tires. You can do this on your by using the penny test, or by bringing the car to your mechanic and having them check it. If the tread is low, get new tires before hitting the road.
Measure Fluids
Always make sure to check the oil before driving any long distance. If the oil is low and you run out while on the road, it can cause significant damage to the engine and bring your road trip to a halt. Other fluids to check include coolant, windshield wiper fluid, radiator fluid, and brake fluid.
Test Light Bulbs
Make sure to test all the exterior light bulbs before your trip and replace any that are not working. Having a headlight out is a sure way to get pulled over if you travel after dark, and you don’t want to put a damper on your trip. To check the lights, turn the car on, make sure the car is in park, and then switch the lights on. Walk around the car to check all the lights, and then turn on both the left and right turn signals to make sure they are working. Have someone stand behind the car while you press the brake to check the brake lights.
Check the Battery
Another important item to check is the battery. You should check to make sure it has a strong charge, and check all the terminals for corrosion. It is also a good idea to check the wires to make sure there are no worn spots that could cause sparks. While you are near the battery, check the air filter. If it is dirty, change it and your car will drive more efficiently.
Pack Essentials
If you have a first-aid kit in the car, make sure to check it to make sure it has everything you need. You should also keep an emergency kit in the car that contains tools for emergency roadside repairs, jumper cables, a jack, and flares. The kit should also have a working flashlight with new batteries, and some extras just in case.
Follow these tips to get your car road-trip ready so you can enjoy the ride.
Image via Flickr by Liamfm
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.