There is a way out of every box, a solution to every puzzle; it's just a matter of finding it.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard
When it comes to “getting away from the hustle and bustle,” many Americans are opting for an affordable road trip instead of skipping their country entirely. It's not easy to beat the sheer convenience of traveling within your own country.
With so much beauty just waiting right outside your doorstep at home, there's no reason not to take advantage! Your vehicle is your best ally when embarking on a road trip which means you've got to take care of it!
From scheduling your car maintenance regularly to preparing yourself before hitting the road, there are plenty of things you need to do if you're ready for an adventure. Are you?
The best way to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey on the open road is by doing your pre-trip inspection before you take off. You'll be glad that not only will repairs cost less, but also prevent accidents with other drivers in case anything goes wrong!
You think your car can't get any worse? You haven't seen anything yet! Road trips are rough on cars and they may be the absolute last thing you want to experience while traveling especially during the holidays.
It is important that you check the following items for leaks before they cause major damage or leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere and late for Christmas dinner.
Check the Fluids
In order to make sure that your car is in top condition before you set off on a long drive, it's important to take care of some small things like checking fluids levels and changing the oil.
Oil is the lifeblood of your car. If it gets too low, this could lead to engine damage, which can spell disaster if you're on a road trip.
Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to pop the hood and take a look at your oil. Are there any signs of leakage? Are the levels within the normal range? Should you add some more?
In case you can't, there are places that can provide this service for you. It's so important to keep a close eye on the fluid levels of your car and always bring a spare gallon of oil along with you in case it runs out.
Don't forget to check all other fluids as well such as antifreeze, wiper fluid, and brake fluid.
Tires and Tire Pressure
It's also important to check the tire pressure and make sure that your spare tire is in place and fully functional. You won't want to be stranded somewhere with a flat! Having an actual spare tire is essential.
Before hitting the road ensure that your tires are properly aligned and don't have any leaks. If you're not sure how to do it yourself, there are plenty of places that will take care of it for you. Your tires need to be in good condition before setting off because a flat tire can really put a cramp on your road trip!
Tire Pressure-Most modern vehicles have an electronic monitoring system that alerts you to low tire pressure. This is particularly important if you are about to embark on a road trip. If there is not enough air in your tires, it can increase the risk of running into dangerous situations and/or blowouts.
If you're not comfortable changing the tires yourself (or don't know how) then find someone who can do it for you in advance!
Whether you choose to go with a spare tire or an emergency assistance service, be sure that the best protection services are included. These days it's not enough to have roadside assistance only.
Battery Check
Another important part of your car's health is the battery. Your car's battery may not be in top shape when you leave, but it can certainly have a negative effect on your trip if it happens to die when god knows where.
Before you set off on a road trip, it's of utmost importance that you check the battery of your vehicle and ensure its good condition. A dead battery will leave you stranded in an inconvenient location.
You can't just buy a new one at any old store either when the time comes. There are many different types of car batteries so be sure to check with your local automotive store before you go.
Cooling System
The engine's cooling system helps keep the car running smoothly. When it malfunctions, you can expect to see some serious effects; like overheating and general sluggishness of operation (or more specifically: no AC). Anyone who has driven on California's Grapevine can tell you that it isn't the best place for your car to overheat. It may be time for an upgrade or replacement on this aspect if your vehicle requires one in order for optimal performance!
Check And Replace Belts And Hoses
Belt wear is an easy danger that can be prevented by taking care of these small items beforehand; it will prevent frustration from occurring while driving along with other dangers such as overheating since we know how hot summer months get! You can purchase belt and hose kits at your local parts store.
Fuel System Cleaning And Replacement
The fuel system helps to keep the car running smoothly, but you should carefully inspect its condition, particularly before embarking on long drives. If there are any leaks present or if the lines are cracked, it will be time for replacement because this situation can create a number of other problems.
You should also keep the gas tank and fuel lines clean because this will help avoid clogs and allow for smooth operation. You can do this yourself or contact a professional if you feel that it is beyond your abilities.
Never Leave On a Long Trip With The Check Engine Light On
The “Check Engine” light should never go on for a long period of time. It's important to know that if your car has the “Check Engine” light on and you're about to take off, don't! It might be tempting, but don't do it! This could be because there is an issue with one or more of its systems. You might notice that your gas mileage has decreased significantly, which could be a sign of the check engine light.
In some instances, car owners may find the cause and remedy for their issues online. However, when in doubt it is best to seek professional help from someone who knows what they're doing with an experienced mechanic that will do all of the work necessary without costing too much money or time at your local shop!
If you're going to be leaving town, make sure that your car is in good working order and the warning sign has been turned off before taking off!
Conclusion
When it comes to road trips, you can never be too prepared. The holidays are a great time for family and friends to get together, but the stress of planning everything at once is enough to make your head spin! With the Road Trip Car Maintenance Checklist in hand, I’ve got all the essentials covered so you can focus on more important things like a conversation with loved ones or catching up on some much needed rest.
Download this checklist now and take the hassle out of holiday travel by taking care of these simple tasks before heading out on your next big adventure. Happy and Safe Travels!
*Hey, this page contains affiliate links. There’s no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission when you decide to use them. They help me keep this party going.
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