If you’re still planning a road trip this summer, you’re one of the few road warriors that aren’t letting gas prices ruin your fun. But long trips can still wreak havoc on your vehicle. But it’s easy to do some preventative maintenance and take care of a few things before you leave to ensure a great vacation. Here are some great suggestions to get you where you need to go and back again.
1. Check the tires. Nothing can ruin a trip faster than a flat tire. Fortunately, many flat tires are preventable. Check the tread on your tires to see if they are going bald or showing uneven wear. If so, replace the badly worn tires. Also, make sure you have the proper tire pressure in them. You can’t always prevent running over a nail, but you can make sure your tires are healthy before you leave.
2. Check under the hood. The hoses, belts and fluid levels are vital parts of your car’s system. If these aren’t kept up, your road trip could end up in a tow truck instead of your beloved car. Make sure fluid levels are up to the proper levels and look for wear or soft spots on belts and hoses. If you’re unsure how to check these, visit a trusted mechanic. They will usually do a checkup for a small fee.
3. Keep emergency supplies with you. If you don’t have a cell phone (who doesn’t these days), it’s easy to get a prepaid one you can use for emergencies. Also, bring lots of water and blankets (depending on the weather) in case you get stranded somewhere. You don’t have to be prepared for everything, but try to be prepared for things that could possibly happen on your trip.