The holiday season is in full swing. If you are planning on visiting family this holiday season, you may be gearing up to take a road trip. Prior to taking a road trip, many people take the time to clean out their car, but this is not the only step you should take to prepare your car for the journey it is going to take. Here are a few of the most important steps you should take to ensure your car is ready for a holiday road trip.
Ensure All Routine Maintenance is Up-To-Date
Before heading out for that holiday road trip, be sure your car’s routine maintenance is up-to-date. If your car is due for an oil change, get it done before you head out. If you have been putting off a routine 60,000 mile maintenance appointment, now is the time to do it. Taking the time to complete these services helps to ensure your car is ready to go, while also helping to increase fuel efficiency.
Inspect Your Car’s Battery
Another key thing to do before you head out for a road trip is to inspect your car’s battery. You should inspect the battery for corrosion and loose connections. If the battery is corroded, clean the connections. Also consider having your battery tested if it is older than a year in age. If your battery is testing low, it is better to replace it. The last thing you want is to find yourself unable to start your car after taking a pit stop in an unknown area.
Check and Inflate Your Tires
It is recommended that you check and inflate your tires on a monthly basis. This is also extremely important to do prior to heading out for any type of long road trip or drive. As you inspect your tires, look for any bubbles, nails, or pulling along the seams. You also want to look for bald spots or signs your tires are wearing. If your tires are worn or damaged, replace them prior to hitting the road to help prevent a tire from blowing out. Properly inflating your tires also helps to prevent blowouts, uneven tire wear and helps to increase fuel efficiency.
Have All Of Your Belts and Hoses Looked At
Finally, before you head out for a holiday road trip, bring your vehicle to a car repair shop and have all of your belts and hoses looked at by a professional. Belts that are worn can suddenly snap and hoses that have holes can cause fluid to leak. Both of these issues may leave you stranded on the side of the road. Having your belts and hoses inspected, and replaced if needed, prior to a road trip can help decrease your chances of something going wrong with your automobile on your trip.
Prior to heading out on a holiday road trip, it is best to bring your car to an auto repair shop to ensure your car is ready to make the trip. Here at Morgan Automotive Repair with locations in Manteca, Stockton and Tracey, and a new location opening soon in Sacramento, we can help you get your car ready for a road trip. Schedule an appointment with one of our convenient locations to ensure fast and timely service.