With warmer months here, people are hitting the road for summer vacations. Before setting out, however, it is important to make sure the vehicle is in good working order. After all, no one want to get stuck with car trouble out of town. Here is some advice from AAA that drivers should consider.
Tires & Brakes
Many car maintenance issues not only impact fuel efficiency and engine life, but they also are important for safety reasons. Having tires and brakes that are in good shape is in that category. People should make sure their tires are not worn down. One way to do this is by sticking a quarter in the tread and seeing if the top of George Washington’s head is present. Better yet, it is always a good idea to have a trained technician inspect them. While at the shop, people may also want to have their brakes examined. If they are grinding or squeaking it is a sign of a problem, but even if they are not it is better to be proactive.
Battery Test
There is a sinking feeling people get when they try to start their car and it just won’t crank. Drivers can help avoid that situation with a battery test conducted by a qualified technician. Many places will do the test for free, and if a new battery is required, it is better to know ahead of time.
Change Fluids
Making sure that the oil, coolant, brake, transmission, power steering, and other fluids are fresh and at the appropriate levels is smart whether a person is on a trip or just driving around town. Each fluid has an important job, such as lubrication and cooling, and they should all be changed or topped off when necessary.
Check the Belts & Hoses
Drive belts, timing belts, and all the hoses that are necessary for an engine to function appropriately can crack over time. The thing is, it can be hard to predict when that will happen. That’s why each manufacturer has specific recommendations, and experts will highly encourage people to follow those recommendations. Motorists should check their owner’s manual to see if anything needs to be done before they leave town.
Windshield Wipers
As they age, windshield wiper blades begin to deteriorate. When they do, they can leave streaks or fail to clean the windshield properly. It is important to make sure the blades are in good shape and the windshield wiper fluid is fresh and full.
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Replenish Emergency Supplies
No matter how much a person plans, something can still go wrong on their drive, and that is why everyone should carry a well-stocked emergency kit in their vehicle. Important items to include in the kit are a flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking water, snacks, booster cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, a basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves, and shop rags or paper towels.
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