Spring break is coming around for most schools and universities, which means many families are getting ready to set out on mini vacations and road trips to celebrate the mid-point in their semesters.
Whether you are a college student planning an adventure with a group of friends or a parent taking your kids on vacation, preparing your car in advance can help you avoid getting stuck on the side of the road, falling behind schedule, or putting yourself and others in danger.
Have a trustworthy mechanic inspect your car. You should change the oil, oil filter, and air filter before your trip and replace any damaged belts, worn-out spark plugs, and contaminated fluids. Fill the windshield wiper fluid reservoir and replace the wipers if necessary. Have any other damaged or worn-out parts replaced prior to your trip. If something seems iffy, spend the money to replace it now. Better safe than sorry.
Get your tires inspected. If you are going to drive a lot of miles, you want to make sure your tires are up to the challenge. If the treads are getting worn, or if a professional you trust tells you the tires might not survive the trip, buy new ones now. Make sure all tires are inflated to the proper pressure.
Be sure that you have a fully inflated spare tire in good condition, as well as a jack and tire iron, and make sure you know how to change a tire. Bring any other tools you might need for repairs, as well as a towing rope, jumper cables, and a flashlight. Pack extra coolant, oil, and a funnel. Make sure you have at least one cell phone in the car and a charger that works with your vehicle so you can call for help if necessary.
Clean your vehicle, inside and out, before you set out on your journey. Not only will that make you and your passengers more comfortable, but it will be easier to stay organized and to find things when you need them. Keep some bags in the car for trash and set clear rules about cleaning up after oneself. Pack some paper towels and cleaning supplies to deal with spills.
A road trip can be an exciting experience, but it can quickly turn into a disaster if you aren’t prepared. Find and fix any existing or potential problems with your car and make sure you have everything you might need to deal with an emergency. The professionals at Tire Country can give your car a thorough inspection and make any needed repairs so you can set out on your spring break road trip with peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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