Road-Tripping? Do These Things First!
Are you thinking of going on a road trip with your family? If so, you’ll need to prepare for the possibilities of breakdowns that can happen during your journey and take steps to prevent what you can. You know what they say. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Here are some tips to help you and your family have a memorable and uneventful travel experience.
Schedule a Vehicle Maintenance
First, make sure to have your vehicle in Lincoln, NE inspected. Check your car battery and have it replaced if needed. A corroded or discharged battery may prevent your vehicle from starting when you hit the ignition.
Additionally, check your brakes, engine belts and hoses, and cooling system before embarking on your family trip. Checking your brakes ensures that your car will stop safely when you need it to. Cooling system failures such as broken engine belts, blown hoses, and radiators are the number two cause of vehicle breakdowns, right behind tire failures.
Check Your Tires
Inspect the condition of your tires. Make sure that your tires have plenty of tread remaining. A deeper tread will improve traction and prevent slipping and sliding while driving. Consider installing all-season tires because they work well during any weather. Look for cuts or cracking in the tread and sidewall area as well. These could be a point of failure if ignored.
Additionally, determine your car’s tire pressure. It is known that tires lose about 1-2 psi when there is a 10-degree drop in temperature outdoors. Be sure to inflate them to the vehicle’s recommended psi for each tire to promote adequate traction and overall safety.
Inspect Fluid Levels
Assess your car’s oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant levels before heading out. Changing the motor oil regularly can extend engine life and keep things running smoothly. Use the dipstick in the engine to check oil levels.
The same can be said about your transmission fluid. A transmission can quickly overheat and become damaged if the fluid level is too low. Check your car’s coolant level too. It helps prevent your engine from overheating, especially when driving for long hours.
Keep an Emergency Car Kit
No one likes to think about the possibility of an accident on the road. However, it’s always best to be prepared in case of an emergency. So, make sure that your auto is equipped with the essentials.
Stock your vehicle with basic first aid, phone charger, blanket, warm clothing, water, and food supplies. It’s also important to include a flashlight or flare and jumper. If it’s winter, consider bringing extra antifreeze, sand or kitty litter, ice scraper, and shovel in case you get stranded. Keeping an emergency kit can help prevent you from experiencing any unpleasant circumstances.
Visit Your Local Auto Repair Shop!
Being prepared can make a difference in your road-tripping experience. If you live or travel near Lincoln, NE, we have you covered at Graham Tire! Our ASE certified technicians can provide a variety of auto services you need for your vehicle in Lincoln, NE. Reach out to our helpful customer service people today to learn more.
