Posted: Jun 16, 2011 3:09 PM
Is your car road trip ready under the hood? No matter your destination, the running condition of your car is very important so that you can rely on it to get you to and from your destination safely. It would be a good idea to get an overall check of your vehicle to ensure your safety on the roads.
Tires
The tire condition of your car is very important. A tire inspection - a rotation, proper air pressure, alignment, and sufficient tread - is included in a pre-trip inspection and should be part of your pre-trip planning process.
Brakes
A brake inspection is something that should be monitored annually and evaluated, but it is especially important before long road trips. Be sure to bring your car to a certified auto technician to make sure your brake fluid and brake pads are up to par. If you plan on driving through mountainous terrain, brakes should be given extra attention.
Coolant
Constant heat can take its toll on radiators. When you're stopping in to get your oil changed (which should be done before a road trip as well) have the service technician take a look at your coolant levels while he's already under the hood. Transmission fluid should be checked, too. If you are traveling to a particularly hot and dry part of the country, consider having your cooling system flushed and refilled to avoid any possible breakdowns due to overheating.
Comments