Summer is here and you may be finalizing your plans for vacation. Deciding to hit the roads? If that’s the case, getting your vehicle ready is the most important aspect of your trip preparation.
“Preventive maintenance is never a waste of time or money, especially when it comes to avoiding a breakdown while you’re on vacation,” says Country Road Automotive’s, Bob DeStefano. “To keep from being stuck on the side of the road during your summer travels, we recommend you bring your vehicle in for servicing at least one week before you plan to leave for vacation. If a problem is discovered, this allows enough time to have it fixed.”
Here are some car care and travel tips worth mentioning:
- Check all fluid levels, including engine oil, transmission fluid, radiator fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer.
- Make sure your tires are inflated properly, have enough tire tread and are in good condition. The proper tire inflation pressure is found on the inside panel of the driver-side door. Also, check your spare tire.
- Check all the lights on your vehicle, making sure your head lights, brake lights and directional signals are working properly.
- Replace your windshield wipers.
- If your air conditioning is not cooling off your car or it feels warmer than usual, bring it in for servicing.
- Even though you’ve had your car checked out, problems can sometimes arise, so keep an Emergency Road Kit in your vehicle. At a minimum, include jumper cables, flares, a first-aid kit, flashlight, extra fuses, and anything else that would be helpful if you broke down.
- Pack as lightly as you can to avoid adding unnecessary load on your tires. By doing this you can save on gas mileage.
- Follow posted highway speed limits. You’ll keep you and your family safer and increase your car’s fuel efficiency.
- Finally, buckle up and have fun!