Road trips are common summer vacation plans. You may wish to spend this summer seeing a bit more of your country and visiting places you have always wanted to and never had the time to. The last thing you need is to have car trouble halfway through your road trip. Not only will it ruin your summer plans, but it can also be dangerous. So, you need to make sure your vehicle is ready for summer and the road trip.
How to Get Your Vehicle Ready
Many people are not proficient or knowledgeable about the problems with their vehicles. If you are one such person, you need to pay attention to some of the things you should have checked out before embarking on your journey. Here is a list you should hand over to your mechanic or garage.
- • Check the brake system and ensure the battery connection is clean, tight, and corrosion-free.
- • Check filters and fluids. This includes engine oil, power steering, windshield washer/solvent, brake, transmission, etc.
- • Check hoses and belts for wear and tear.
- • Check tire pressure and tread.
- • Check the gas cap for damage and proper fit.
- • Replace wiper blades if they don’t provide a smear-free view.
- • Top up any fluids that are low.
- • Check the car battery. A car battery has a lifespan of three to five years. If this has passed, you need to replace the battery.
- • Ensure all lights in the car are in working order.
- • Ensure all lights on the dash are not blinking. This is a warning of something necessary that must be done and is either impending or passed.
Always be Prepared
Irrespective of maintenance and inspections, there is no guarantee when it comes to road trips and car trouble. So, always be prepared for the worst. Always keep a roadside survival kit ready, and ensure the kit includes a flashlight with fresh batteries, a blanket, and extra food and water.
You should also have copies of the car’s warranty, insurance, and contact information of an emergency car care service. Always bring a spare set of keys, in case you lose your car keys.
Being prepared for the worst is a wonderful way to avoid spoiling your summer road trip. So, consider all this and have a great summer!
This article is by ActiveAdultLiving.com®, the website that offers you information on more than 6,300 active adult communities.
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