Everyone deserves to go on vacation or even just a quick weekend road trip. Whether it is a romantic getaway with the one you love or a family trip, everyone should experience the freedom of the open road at least once. But before you get into the car and hit the highway, you must first ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. Here are a few tips to make your trip fun, fast, and stress-free.
1. Check All Your Tires and Tire Pressure
Having your tires checked is the most important thing you can do for your vehicle and avoid an accident. This includes checking for tread wear and scraping, proper tire pressure, and tire balance. Make sure your tires have the proper tread depth and that you have the right amount of weight in the tires.
Your spare tire also needs to be fully inflated and in good condition. A good rule of thumb is to change the spare tire on a regular basis. When you’re changing the tires on your vehicle, you should always be sure to use the same size as the other tires.
2. Listen to and Feel Your Car’s Brakes
You should make sure to visit a mechanic before you embark on your road trip. Make sure your brakes are working properly and that they’re not grinding or squeaking. It is also a good idea to change your brake pads before a long trip, especially if they are old.
Have the rotors checked to ensure they aren’t scored. If they are, they will need to be resurfaced. This is a great time to have your brakes bled in order to ensure they are working properly.
3. Inspect All of Your Car’s Fluids
Check all of your various fluids, including your engine oil, transmission, and power steering fluids. Don’t forget to check your radiator, coolant, brake, clutch, and power brake fluids. Be sure to check your windshield wiper fluid tank.
If any of your fluids are below the recommended level, be sure to fill them up. If you’re not sure about your car’s fluids, have your mechanic check them for you. Failure to have the proper fluids could result in major issues and even some safety concerns.
4. Test Your Emergency Equipment
The best thing you can do is make sure all of your emergency equipment works. The best way to do this is to test it while you’re driving. Turn on your emergency flashers, and make sure they function properly. It is also a good idea to test your hazard lights, your blinkers, and your horn. Be sure to test your brakes and make sure the parking brake is working. Do not forget to test your headlights and check your headlights and taillights for power and functionality.
5. Secure and Test Your Battery
Your battery should be fully charged and tested. One way to test your battery is to drive your car around the block and then stop in your garage or a parking lot. If the car starts to run, you may have a faulty battery.
Be sure to clear out your trunk prior to your trip, and check all of your lights. If you notice any issues, be sure to get them fixed before you hit the road.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Whether you’re going on a weekend trip or are hitting the open road for months at a time, it’s vital that you make sure your car is in good, safe working order. If you follow these tips, you should be all set. Then, you can enjoy your trip knowing that you are safe and everything is working just fine.
Before you hit the road, it’s best to bring your car to the shop and let the experts at Limitless Tires inspect it. Once your vehicle is up to par, you’ll be able to enjoy your road trip without a care in the world. Our team will talk you through what’s going on and how we can fix it so that you can hit the road feeling confident. Contact Limitless Tires today for quick wheel inspection services.