If you are heading out on a Spring road trip any time in the next few weeks, Patrick Hyundai wants to make sure that you are as prepared as you need to be. There are so many things that you need to prep before heading out and this list will be your guide.
You should perform a routine safety check before heading out and checking a few little things that may not cross your mind every day is so important.
Check Your Fluids – Make sure that all your fluids are topped off or have been changed if need be. When I say fluids I mean everything. This includes your oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid and your brake fluid. There are so many times that I have not checked these out and I should have before hitting the road. If you have not changed your oil in 3,000 miles, then now would be the perfect time to change it! You will also want to top off any of your fluids that you suspect may be low. You should also always carry extra bottles with you in the trunk of your vehicle in event of an emergency. There is nothing like needing something when you are on a road trip and not having it or even a store/service station nearby that could help.
Check Your Windshield Wipers -The last time it rained was there a smear-free view when you used your wipers? If not, then you definitely need to change these out before you hit the road.
Check Your Battery– Making sure that your battery and the cables are securely attached is so important. You also need to make sure that they are free from corrosion. Your car battery will typically last you between 3 and 5 years. If it has been longer than that and you have noticed a slow down or dimming of lights, you may need to change the battery as well.
Check Your Brakes – You don’t want to be miles and miles away from home and your brakes fail on you. You need to make sure that your brakes are at least 50 percent. If by any chance they are lower than that and you are going to be going more than 1,000 miles round trip or driving in terrain that is mountainous, you will need to make sure that your brakes are changed before your trip.
Check Your Shocks, Struts and Springs –This is definitely another things that you need to double check and make sure that they are all in working order. You don’t want to have any of this go out on you while you are on a trip. If for any reason that you suspect that they are not in good working order, change them if there is any doubt.
Give Your Vehicle a Tuneup – If it has been a while since you have had maintenance done to your vehicle, now would be the time to do that. The typical is if it has been more than 3 years. If your vehicle has a timing belt and you are anywhere within a thousand miles, replace your timing belt.
Check Your Lights– Make sure that all your lights are in working order. Lights include brakes, turn signals, headlights and taillights.
Check The Tires– If you are showing any sort of tread wear, make sure that you replace the tires. If there is uneven tread wear, you will need to check the alignment on the vehicle as well. All four of the tires should have proper air pressure as well. A spare is also very much needed to have on hand just in case of emergency!
I know this may seem like a lot to take on before you head out on a trip, but it is well worth it. There is no telling where you will be when an accident or malfunction may occur. Being prepared is definitely your best bet and will make your Spring trip even that much more enjoyable with peace of mind.
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