If you are planning a trip and will be driving your car, take time to make sure it is ready before you head out. There is nothing worse than breaking down on the side of the road while you are out traveling. The tips below should help you get from point A to point B without having any problems.
Check the Tires
The first thing you should check is your tires. Inspect them closely to make sure they have plenty of treads. Look for any areas that look uneven or completely flat. Look for any cracks or signs of wear. If you see any foreign objects, such as a rock, between the treads, remove it. Make sure the valves are capped and that each one is secure.
You should also have the tire pressure checked. You can take your car to a tire shop to do this, or you can do it on your own with a tire gauge. If you are towing something on a trailer, check your owner's manual to see the maximum weight your car can carry.
Take Your Car To a Mechanic
Unless you are experienced working on cars, you should take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out. He or she can check the fluids in your car to make sure they are at the right levels, such as your transmission and brake fluid.
They should also check the brakes to make sure the brake pads will last. If they are even close to needing replaced, you should go ahead and do it now. The mechanic should check the suspension system to make sure there are no damaged or worn parts. If you currently have worn parts, it will make your ride much more comfortable if you have these parts replaced before you leave.
Make sure the mechanic checks your coolant system. It may be overdue for a flush or coolant exchange. He or she will remove the old fluid, and then replace it with clean fluid. The mechanic will likely check for any weak hoses or leaks. The radiator cap should also be checked and replaced if worn.
Make sure you tell your mechanic you are taking a road trip so he or she will give your car a thorough inspection.
If you break down while on the road, you can call a tow truck (belonging to R & R Towing or another company) to come rescue you. While waiting for a tow truck, turn on your hazard lights. If you have some cones in your car, place them in front and behind it. Remove anything that you need to take with you, especially if you have anything valuable in your car. Tow truck drivers work very hard to get you quickly, so make sure you give him or her a good tip.
Share11 February 2015
When my husband and I went to buy our RV, I thought I had a good idea as to what I wanted. I knew what general options I wanted and what size. But, as I begin to explore the new options available, I realized that there were so many add-ons and upgrades that I had not even considered. I probably took more time to select an RV than I should have, simply because I wasn't prepared for all of the choices I had to make. I decided to start this website to let people know about all of the RV upgrades and options that they could select from when buying a new RV. If you are in the market for a new RV, hopefully this helps you decide what features are must-haves for you.