When the warmer weather arrives, everyone develops an itch to head out on a road trip. However, what many of us forget to do is make sure our cars are ready for a road trip adventure. Let’s go through how to prep your car for a warm weather roadtrippin' adventure.
Prep your car for Roadtrippin’
Fluids
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Oil
Coolant
- Transmission Fluid
Brake
- Fluid
Power Steering Fluid
- Windshield Washer Fluid
Belts, Hoses, Plugs and Wipers
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Timing Belt
- Coolant Hoses
- Windshield Washer Hoses
- Windshield Wipers
- Spark Plugs
Tires
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Make sure the pressure is correct in each tire
- Inspect the Wear and Tear on Tread
- Look for any nails/screws/sharp objects embedded in the tire treads
- Check the SPARE TIRE - be sure it’s properly maintained and actually IN the car
Lights
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Check bulbs and put extras in the car
- Test to make sure the blinkers work
- Dash lights
- Interior Lights
Horn, Battery and Air Filter
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Car Battery should never have corrosion around the battery terminals
- Make sure the cables are tight and snug on the battery
- Air Filter - a new one gives better gas mileage
Emergency Kits and Tools
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Medical Emergency Kit
- Jumper Cables
- Jack
- Lug Wrench (to loosen lug nuts)
- Wheel Wedges
- Portable Air Compressor
- Smart Phone Chargers
- Flashlight
Extra batteries for flashlight
- Quality Shoes (because we all know changing a tire with flip flops or sandals on isn’t going to work out well)
- Cooler filled with water and snacks
Electronics & Extras
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GPS
- PAPER Maps of the areas you’re visiting just in case the GPS and Smart Phones don’t work
- Car Registration
- Updated Insurance Policy
Finally, one of the best things you can do before a long road trip? Taking a defensive driving course. It can be done online, and it’s a great way to lower the cost of your insurance by 10% for three years.