5 Things to Check on Your Car Before You Hit the Road for Spring Break

If you’re hitting the road for spring break, its important to get your vehicle ready for the 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. Here are 5 things to check before hitting the road.

1. Check Tires


Its important to frequently check your tires even with normal everyday driving, but even more so for a road trip. If your tires are not in good condition, it can affect your gas mileage and engine performance, among other things. Check the air in all of your tires and make sure 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.

2. Brakes: 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 hear 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.

3. Check 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.

4. Get 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.

5. Get 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 is brought to you by Ford Lincoln of Franklin, helping you and your family make road trip memories. Ford Lincoln of Franklin offers new and pre-owned vehicles. Check out their inventory here and visit them in person at 1129 Murfreesboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064.