5 Things to Check on Your Car Before Your Next Road Trip

Road trips can be rough on your vehicle due to the miles you put on your car and the extended time you are driving. Because of this, it’s important to plan, as much as possible, for your coming trip and to make sure you check the necessities on your vehicle. If you have a maintenance or repair that you have been putting off, now is the time to take care of it. Here are 5 things to check before hitting the road.

1Check Tires


These are so important to keep up with even with normal everyday driving, but even more so for a road trip. If your tires are not in good condition, there are so many things that it will affect from your gas mileage to your engine performance. Also, depending on where you’re going, having newer tires can mean the difference between chancing a flat and making it back home safely. Make sure to check the air in all of your tires and to make sure that you have a spare. Also, check the tire pressure before you head out on your trip. Newer cars have tire pressure sensors reminding you to check that pressure. If your car doesn’t have this sensor, you can find a tire pressure gauge at most gas stations.

2Brakes: Look & Listen

This includes looking at them visually as well as listening to them to make sure they are in good condition. If they are excessively rusted or if you are hearing grinding or squeaking it may be time to get new brake pads. If you haven’t changed your rotors in a while, they may also need to be replaced.

3Check Fluid Levels

 

Along with tires and brakes, fluids are one of the most important things that contribute to the health of your vehicle as well as your safety. You want to make sure all your fluids are filled to the correct level, including oil, coolant, washer fluid, brake fluid, and any other oils especially if you haven’t had a maintenance check done on your vehicle recently.

4Get an Emergency Kit

 

If you don’t already keep an emergency kit, you should. You should have a backup first aid kit, a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, snacks and water, and a basic tool kit. It’s also good to have a rag or paper towels to wipe things down or check your fluids when you need to for convenience.

5Get Your Papers in Order

On a road trip, you should have proof of insurance, vehicle registration, your driver’s license, the owner’s manual, contact numbers, and warranty information if you need it. Not only would you need these if you get pulled over for some reason, but having these in case something were to happen while you are on the road is a good idea.

Road trips can be extremely fun and full of adventures and by making sure your car is ready for the trip, you can prevent some things that might happen while on the road, leaving you the peace of mind to enjoy yourself.

This article was brought to you by Infiniti of Cool Springs, offering new and pre-owned vehicles to get you and your family off on your perfect summer road trip. Infiniti of Cool Springs ic located at 211 Comtide Ct., Franklin, TN 37067.