subject: Will Your Car Get You to Your Vacation? [print this page] Will Your Car Get You to Your Vacation? Will Your Car Get You to Your Vacation?
It's summer! With school out, there is nothing like a road trip out of town to keep the restless brood out of harm's way. But before packing your bags, there are some important things you must do to make sure the trip is safe, especially if the drive will take five hours or more and you'll be passing through places where a gas station or mechanic may nowhere to be found.
First things first. Be sure that the car, be it a new model sedan or an older vehicle, is in superb condition for the journey. Getting the car ready for an excursion must be at the top of the list when planning a holiday.
Major Tune-Up. At least a week before the outing, get the car a major tune-up. If the car is still new and under warranty, make sure that it has undergone its preventive maintenance service as scheduled. Older vehicles will require a trip to a dependable service station or to the old reliable mechanic.
The newer car models have numerous electronic sensors which will need a check-up at the car dealer, but the fundamental of changing oil and oil filter remains the same.
Water Levels. Check the water and coolant levels accurately. If the weather is hot, then overheating can be a real concern. See that the radiator and its hose have no leaks.
Tires. After examining the engine, look at the tires and make sure that their treads haven't been worn out. A tire with thin treads could simply slide when taking a sharp curve and this may cause a bad accident. See that the tires are well balanced and if rotating their positions is necessary then have that done too.
The spare tire is just as important as the four tires on the car. Check that it is in good condition and with the right air pressure. Also, make sure that you're carrying the car's jack and tools. Changing a flat tire would be extremely difficult without these tools. And an Early Warning Device (EWD) is very important to have in your car.
Supplies. In your vehicle, don't forget to bring enough supply of water, both distilled and regular for the battery and radiator, respectively. Bring a can of coolant and motor oil. A spare fan belt, water hose, aircon belt, flashlight and clean rag is advisable to have. A wise investment would be to buy an electric air pump just in case you have a flat and need to make it to the gas station on the flat tire.
