Don’t let a car malfunction mar your upcoming road trip. Making a few minor repairs to your automobile before you go might assist make sure it’s prepared for the journey? Even while you can’t stop every mechanical failure, you can avoid spending money-saving vacation time at the repair shop by inspecting your car’s fluids and parts before you head out on the road. Here are some pointers to get you going:
Check your car battery
According to Consumer Reports, make sure the battery connection in your automobile is secure and free of corrosion. If there is corrosion, you will need to unplug the battery and use a wire brush to clean the contacts. If you don’t know how to inspect and clean a vehicle battery, it might be better to leave it to a professional. Batteries contain caustic acid that may spill if battery connections are pushed off. Consumer Reports advises getting your car’s battery tested once a year once it has been on the road for more than two years as a general rule.
Inspect belts and hoses
According to Consumer Reports, engine belts and hoses are essential for maintaining the functionality of your car’s cooling, power steering, and electrical systems. Ask someone to check them to see if any are frayed or cracked. Check to make sure there isn’t a lot of slack in your belts; they should be securely fastened as well. Finally, make sure to get any leaks or drips in your hoses examined.
Verify lights and other electrical equipment in the car
Check that your car’s interior and exterior lights are functioning correctly, and change any burned-out bulbs as needed. Consumer Reports advises replacing windscreen wipers every six months if they aren’t effectively draining water from the windscreen or are leaving streaks. Check your vehicle’s horn and air conditioning system as well. When travelling in warm weather, you may wish to get the air conditioner serviced if it isn’t blowing as cold as it once did.
Reinsure the breaks
According to Popular Mechanics, squealing sounds coming from your car’s brakes may be a sign of worn brake pads. Be careful to have your car’s brakes checked out by a professional before you get on the road if they are producing this noise or any other strange noises. When you push the brake pedal, if it feels spongy, the brake fluid level may be low. While monitoring the other fluids, don’t forget to check the level of this one and top it out if necessary.
Take a quick look at the tires
Your car’s fuel economy may be impacted by tire pressure. The NHTSA advises checking the tyre pressure before leaving for your vacation to make sure they are correctly inflated. If possible, do this while the tires are still cold. Don’t forget to inspect the spare tire on your vehicles as well. The NHTSA advises utilizing the penny method to check the tread depth of your tires while you’re at it. If you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head on a penny placed upside down between the treads of each tyre, it might be time to change the tires. It could be time for a tire rotation or alignment before your vacation if you observe uneven wear on any of the tires.
