Are you ready to hit the road, to feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your skin? You might meet some interesting people, catch up on some reading, party all night, or swim in the surf – whatever your plans may be, we wish you a lovely summer holiday.
But before you head out, here are a few friendly reminders to help ensure your journey is safe and free of any unexpected surprises. Check out these top five tips.
Tip #1 – Check your Tires
- Tire Threads: Check that your tires are safe for the journey, with enough remaining thread. An uncomplicated way to test your tire's tread depth is with a quarter. Insert a quarter into your tread groove. If the tread touches Washington's head, you have at least 4/32 inches of tread remaining.
- Wheel Alignment: An annual check-up of your wheel alignment could save you some bucks on gas, extend the life of your car's tires and smooth your ride. Potholes, curbs, rough roads, and general wear-and-tear can cause your alignment to be compromised. Before you set off, have your car's wheel alignment checked.
- Wheel Balancing: Ensure that your wheels are balanced. This will improve your braking, road handling and remove any shudder you may have.
- Spare Tire: Make sure that your spare tire is pumped up and that you have the complete toolset needed to remove and replace your wheel if you get a blow-out along the way. While you are at it, make sure all your tires are pumped to the required pressure.
Tip #2 – Check your Battery and Lights
Check that your headlights, fog lamps, indicators, and brake lights are working correctly. Also, check your interior lights. If you are planning to haul a trailer, check that both sets of lights are working properly. Heat deteriorates battery functionality, so use a visual meter to check that out too.
Tip #3 – Check your Fluid Levels
- Oil Levels: Make sure that your car has enough oil in and that it is clear. If the oil is not clear, take your car to be checked out at our shop.
- Brake Fluid: Check that your brake fluid level is topped up. If it has dropped significantly, have your brake pads serviced.
- Water Cooler: Top up your radiator with water and antifreeze.
- Window Washer Water: Top up the screen washer water level.
Tip #4 – Stay Cool
Make sure the gas on the car's AC gas topped up. Opening the windows is great, but having an operational air conditioner is so much more comfortable.
Tip #5 – Be Prepared
A longer trip needs some additional stuff to be taken along, just in case. Below is a list of 10 such items:
- A Cell Phone External Battery Pack
- A gallon bottle filled with water
- A First Aid Kit
- Safety Triangles
- A Flashlight, preferably the headband type
- Your insurance and identification
- Nonperishable snacks
- Jumper cables
- Insulated cooler
- Hand sanitizer or wipe
If you need assistance getting your vehicle ready for the summer months ahead, we invite you to bring your vehicle into our auto repair shop today!