Getting Your Car Ready for Vacation | Car Tips

Now that schools are out, many families are gearing up to plan their annual summer vacations. In order to have an enjoyable trip, you’ll need to make sure your car is in good shape. Here are some things you should checkout with your vehicle before going on your family vacation.

One of the most important things is to check the levels of all of your vital fluids. This includes; brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine oil, coolant, power-steering fluid and winder washer fluid. If you’re unsure how to check or add fluid, you should review your owner’s manual.

Another thing to do is to check your belts and hoses. High temperatures are harder on rubber parts so check the hoses on a cool engine by pinching them. If they don’t feel the same along their length they need to be replaced. Check your belts for cracks or shredding. Hoses and belts typically have a useful life of approximately 4-5 years.

Finally, make sure to see if your tires are the correct pressure. You will not want under inflated tires if you’re going on a long trip, because not only will they cost you more in fuel, but they are also unsafe.

Patrick Britton – Guest Blogger