It’s summertime, it’s hot, and your ready for a road trip! Here are some things you may want to check on your car before you hit the road. Safety checks and precautions.
- Walk around the outside of the car. Check for leaks on the pavement underneath the car. Also check all your lights and turn signals and make sure they are working and not damaged (and are clean). Clean the exterior windows for better visibility. Check your tires for proper pressure and look for visible signs of leaks or damage, or low pressure.
- Open the hood. Check your fluid levels and top off if needed. Check your oil, anti freeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering, etc.
- Inside the car. Check that your AC works (if that’s important to you during the hot months). Make sure your inside windows are clean. Your mirrors and seats are set to the way you like them. Seat belts are working properly. By the way, the best way to clean your inside windows are using plain water and paper towels. Using window cleaners can leave streak marks behind. Water will not.
- Emergency kit. Make sure you bring some items with you that could come in handy if you break down. Flash light, a can of inflate a flat, maps, phone numbers you would need to call for help, fully charged cell phone (so you can call for help if needed). Spare batteries and some basic hand tools are also helpful.
A little preparation can go a long way in case you do break down when you’re on the highway.
For me, getting my car road trip ready means getting a new car:) My 98 Ford Contour that I have to turn the AC off when merging onto the beltway just doesn’t seem to cut it when it comes to road trips:)
Id love a new car. Just can’t afford it. And I don’t want payments ever again.
Thanks for commenting.
I try to time my oil changes and tire rotations for right before a road trip. Then I have plenty of windshield wiper fluid too.