Is Your Car Road Trip Ready?
A Checklist for Peace of Mind
With summer just around the corner, a lot of us are looking forward to a well-deserved vacation. For many people this means a great, American road trip!
Before hitting the open road, make sure your car is road trip ready with these tips:
1) Plan Your Route and Pit Stops
Be sure your favorite spots have reopened so there are no last minute surprises. Also be sure to check that you have up-to-date registration and insurance paperwork in your glove box.
2) Perform Scheduled Maintenance
Refer to your owner’s manual to see your car’s list of scheduled maintenance listed by age of car and/or mileage. Be sure you are up-to-date to avoid unwanted surprises.
3) Top Off Fluids
Check all fluid levels: oil, coolant, brake, and windshield-washer fluids. As applicable, also inspect the power-steering and transmission fluid levels. Be sure to get an oil change if you are due.
4) Check Tire Pressure & Tread for each Tire
Be sure to check the spare too! Follow your vehicle’s manufacturer recommended tire pressure, found on the front door jamb or in your owner’s manual. It’s also a good idea to check for signs of abnormal or uneven wear, cuts, or sidewall bulges.
5) Change the Air Filter and Cabin Filter
Clean filters help the engine run better, and increase air quality. A filter that is overdue to be changed can increase your fuel cost by 10% and can add stress to other vehicle components.
6) Buy New Wiper Blades and Fill the Washer Fluid
Windshield wipers typically last about 6 months, if they are a few months old consider replacing before a long trip.
7) Check Your Lights
Be sure to check that your headlights, fog lights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are all working properly, and that the lenses are clean.
8) Check Your Battery
Check terminals and cables for corrosion, and that the battery is securely attached to the vehicle.
9) Get a Road Trip Inspection
One of the easiest, and best, ways to have peace of mind before a road trip is to bring your vehicle to a trusted automotive repair shop to have all systems inspected. Some things your technician can inspect are the radiator and hoses, brakes, belts, suspension, A/C, and check engine light.
10) Have Fun, Drive Safe, and Enjoy Your Road Trip!
By Chris Shute - Owner of Open Road Automotive located at 400 West Crosstimbers St., Houston, TX 77018. They can be reached at (832) 409-6621