Many people have reservations about driving their cars on long road trips. This can be especially true for older cars or cars with high mileage. Luckily, whether you are driving cross country or across the state, there are some things you can do to ensure that your car is ready to hit the road. Here is a four week car care plan to consider before your next road trip:
Three to Four Weeks —
Major repairs. Has your trusty vehicle been feeling or sounding different lately? If so, now is the time to have those issues repaired. Although this may seem counter-intuitive, it is always best to have repairs done a few weeks before you plan to travel. This leaves plenty of time for related problems to pop up before hitting the road.
Tires. Ensure that tires are properly inflated. Tires with low pressure can cause additional heat buildup which may lead to blowouts when traveling at high speeds. If you are not sure how to check your tire pressure, refer to your owner’s manual. While you are looking at the tire, be sure to check its tread. You can do this by taking a penny and inserting it into the groove of the tire with the Lincoln side down. If the space above Lincoln’s head is visible, it may be time for a new set of tires.
Two to Three Weeks —
Coolant. If the destination that you are traveling to will be warmer or cooler than your hometown, you may want to check your coolant. If the coolant levels are low or if it needs to be changed, this is the time to do it.
Spare tire. This is also a great time to ensure that the tire is properly inflated and the jack, wrench, etc. are accessible.
One to Two Weeks —
Take care of scheduled maintenance. Is your car due for an oil change or tune-up? If so, this is the time to have it done.
Clean out your car. Not only can a messy car be unappealing to the eye, but it can also negatively affect your fuel efficiency. Remove as many items as possible from the vehicle before hitting the road.
Emergency plan. No matter how careful you are, emergencies can happen. From flat tires to roadside breakdowns, it is important to be prepared for when disaster strikes. Before setting off on your road trip, you may want to consider purchasing an emergency roadside assistance plan. Often times, this will cover things like lockouts, flat tires, breakdowns and much more.
Follow these tips and you will be well on your way to having a safe and fun road trip!
