Get Your Car Road Trip Ready
Summer is quickly approaching and it is the perfect time for a road trip! It can get complicated just to load the car up with the family to go to the movies let alone a long drive. When you have a long drive, there are other concerns to address before hitting the road other than music and snacks. We’ve compiled a list that covers everything you’ll want to check on your car before an extended drive to make sure you and your family are driving safely.
Fluids
This includes oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and brake fluid. Check your oil levels and the date/mileage for when you’re due for an oil change. If you’re close to your date/mileage, it’s recommended you change the oil before embarking on your road trip.
Lights
Check to make sure all lights are working. This includes brake lights, turn signals, headlights, and reverse lights. Save yourself from potentially being pulled over by the police because of an out light. Not only is it safer for you, working vehicle lights are safer for everyone on the road.
Tire Pressure & Tread
Check your tires. Under inflated tires reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy, and uneven tire wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots. If the tires are showing any tread wear, replace them. Make sure your tires are inflated to proper tire pressure. The pressure marked on the side of the tire is the max, which must not be exceeded. Also, don’t forget to check the pressure of your spare tire. This is often neglected. Not doing so will turn a bad time into a worse one if the spare is unusable.
Battery
Make sure the battery connection is clean, tight, and corrosion-free. If the battery in your car is more than a couple years old, check that the terminals are corrosion-free and the positive and negative leads are tight. Batteries typically last three-five years.
Engine
Check your engine. Make sure it is delivering the best balance of power and fuel economy and producing the lowest level of emissions.
About Peninsula Auto Body
We live and work within the San Francisco Peninsula area. Our commitment to the community extends from helping our customers to helping our team members and right into the community itself. At Peninsula Auto Body, we are neighbors helping neighbors, especially after an automotive accident. From towing to filing claims, to making sure you have transportation while we fix your vehicle, we’ll help take care of you...our family and our neighbor. We’re here in your time of need. If you have questions or comments, please contact us by calling 650.588.0999.