With Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, many people are planning to hit the road to spend time with family and friends. According to Travel & Leisure, nearly 50% of Americans plan to travel this holiday season.
While you may have your mental (and physical) checklist of things to do and items to bring, have you considered making sure your car is prepared for a road trip? Here are X things you should do to make sure your vehicle is as well prepared as you:
1. Check your fluid levels.
Your car’s fluids are an essential part of ensuring your vehicle is running perfectly. Schedule an appointment to check your brake fluid, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Making sure your fluids are full enough to support your car functions will help your trip go smoothly.
2. Rotate and inflate your tires.
Rotating your tires regularly extends the life of your tires by preventing uneven wear and allows your technician to inspect your wheels for any potential problems!
Under-inflated tires can cause numerous problems, like difficulty steering or causing a blowout. Most gas stations have cheap air, and it’s quick and simple to do! If you aren’t sure of the appropriate PSI level, check your owner’s manual or your driver’s side doorjamb.
3. Brake check!
Do you hear whining or grinding sounds when you push your brakes or experience difficulty coming to a complete stop? If so, you may need new tires! Make an appointment with your mechanic to inspect your brakes and troubleshoot any problems.
Give your car (and family) something to be thankful for with a safe arrival to your holiday destination! Ensuring your car is well prepared for the road trip, especially if you’re traveling in snowy or icy conditions, is essential to your holiday ‘to-do’ list!
