Summer
road trip season is here. Taking proactive steps to make sure your
vehicle is operating properly will help avoid the hassle and
unexpected cost of a breakdown away from home, says the non-profit
Car Care Council.
This
summer, AAA expects
to receive calls from over seven million stranded motorists
experiencing car trouble. The majority of issues the travel group
anticipates will cause car problems, such as dead batteries and flat
tires, can be prevented with a pre-trip vehicle inspection.
Summer
heat can take a toll on a vehicle, especially if it hasn’t been
properly maintained. Whether you do it yourself or visit a trusted
professional technician, a pre-trip vehicle check will give you peace
of mind and provide the opportunity to make any necessary repairs
before you hit the highway.
Four
out of 10 drivers are unprepared for vehicle breakdowns. So you and
your vehicle are ready for the road, the Car Care Council recommends
taking the following auto care steps before you leave home.
- Check the battery and replace if necessary. Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging. Excessive heat and overcharging shortens the life of a battery.
- Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
- Check the HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) system as proper cooling performance is critical for interior comfort.
- Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
- Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.
- Check the emergency kit and restock, if necessary. Be sure to fully charge cell phones before leaving home.
- Inspect the brake system and performing a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy.