Spring is almost here. After having travel restricted or limited for nearly a year, many cities, counties and states are easing up on COVID-19 restrictions and allowing businesses to open up and for travel to resume again. If your family is planning to take advantage of this and travel this spring break, the last thing you want to happen is for a car emergency to sideline your travel plans. Prior to heading out for a road trip, you need to ensure your car is ready to go. There are a few key things you need to do before heading out on any road trip, including checking your tires, inspecting the battery and having your hoses inspected. Here are a few of the lesser-known items you should have completed before hitting the roads this spring or summer.
Have All Of Your Fluids Topped Off
There are many fluids that are found within your car. This includes oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant. It is recommended that you check all of your fluids at least once every two to three months and prior to heading out on an extended road trip. When the fluids are being checked, you should top off any fluids that are low. You should also pay attention to the color and appearance of the fluid. Some fluids may need to be flushed if they are the wrong color or are clumpy or lumpy in texture. Fluids help ensure different parts of your vehicle function correctly, and are important to the overall longevity and health of your car.
Check Your Brakes
Before you hit the road this spring break, take your vehicle to a car repair shop and have the brakes inspected. You want to ensure that your brake pads and brake shoes do not need to replace before you head out on your road trip. Additionally, a brake inspection will reveal whether you have a leak within your brake system, which can cause leaking brake fluid. Having worn brakes or leaking brakes can reduce the amount of time it takes your vehicle to stop, which can increase your risk for an accident.
Inspect Wipers and Lights
Finally, take the time to inspect your wipers and all of the lights on your vehicle, including your headlights, taillights and turn lights. Old or worn windshield wipers can leave streaks on your vehicle, making it harder to see. The last thing you want is to have trouble seeing on a road you are not familiar with. Inspecting your lights before heading out helps to prevent you from being pulled over for a dead light, while also ensuring that your lights can serve the purpose they are designed to, such as illuminating the road or letting other drivers know you are turning or stopping.
Before you head out on a spring break road trip, it is strongly recommended that you bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop, such as us at Morgan Automotive Repair. We can conduct a complete auto inspection, helping to best prepare your vehicle for its upcoming trip and reduce the likelihood of unexpected car issues. If you are visiting Northern California on a trip, and run into unexpected car issues, our car repair shop can also assist you. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your vehicle.