When you’re planning on taking a road trip or are using your car to get to a specific destination, the vehicle should be in excellent condition to ensure that it’s reliable. Before you depart on your holiday travel, it’s crucial that the car is prepped and maintained to avoid complications when you’re on the road. If you want to get your vehicle ready for holiday travel, there are a few necessary steps to take.
Get an Oil Change
The oil in the car’s engine is considered to be the blood of the vehicle and needs to be replaced every 3,000 miles or three months to ensure that the vehicle continues to run well. Schedule an oil change at Jiffy Lube before you depart.
Rotate the Tires
An establishment like Jiffy Lube will rotate your tires when you get an oil change to ensure that there’s even wear on the tread of the tires before you hit the road. You can also test the tread on each tire to determine if they need to be replaced. Place a quarter into the treat upside down. If the head of George Washington is visible, then it’s a sign that the tread is low and can lead to an accident if you don’t have enough traction on slippery roads.
Checking the tire pressure is also important, which will increase your fuel efficiency. Use a tire gauge and read your owner’s manual to determine the recommended tire pressure. You can add more air by visiting a gas station before your travels.
Inspect the Battery
Dealing with a dead battery can make your travels complicated if you need to replace it while heading to your destination. Inspect the battery in advance by inspecting the terminals for corrosion. If corrosion is present, you can use a baking soda and water mixture to clean the surface with a toothbrush. Complete the task by putting the terminals back on and using a battery terminal spray to seal it.
Check the Brakes
Your brakes are one of the main features on your vehicle that need to be in good condition before you leave for your holiday to ensure that they continue to work well and don’t lead to an accident if they need to be replaced. Check the brake pads to determine if they’re worn down. You’ll need to pull off each wheel and inspect the brake calipers. There should be wear indicators that begin to squeal when it’s time to replace the pads.
Replace the Wiper Fluid
Visibility is essential to staying safe on the road, making it necessary to replace the wiper fluid in the car ahead of time. You can also replace the wiper fluid on the back windshield if an additional windshield wiper is present.
Getting your vehicle ready for your trip can allow you to stay safe and reduce the risk of a collision. Your car can continue to be reliable as you spend time away from home.