If you’re headed over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house for the holidays, you’ll want to be sure that your car or truck is in good condition before you leave. Spending a little bit of time on these easy maintenance tips will help ensure a safe, happy road trip this holiday season.
1. Check your oil
First of all, check your oil level – this is one of the easiest pre-road trip tips that most often gets neglected. You’ll want to make sure your oil is at the correct level and in good condition.
While many cars can go much longer than the old-school “3 months or 3,000 mile” change schedule, you want to be sure that your oil’s in good shape before you head out for a long drive.
2. Inspect your battery
Check your cables and connections. Make sure there’s no corrosion (and clean the terminals if there is) and ensure that everything is securely attached.
3. Check your lights
Most people don’t realize that their lights are out until someone tells them. Start the car and turn your lights on, then take a quick walk around your car. If there are any lights out, make sure you replace them before you leave on the road trip.
4. Check your tires
Carefully inspect each tire – make sure your tread is in good condition and there are no cracks or gouges in the sidewall. If you find a crack, a bulge, or a bald spot, you should get a new set of tires before you leave.
You’ll also want to check your tire pressure. Colder winter temperatures will cause your tires to lose pressure (colder air is more compact). Add more air if your tires are under-inflated. The best time to check your tire pressure is in the morning, when the car has been sitting overnight and the tires are cold. Don’t forget to check your spare tire too!
5. Check your wiper blades
Think about the last time you drove in the rain – did you have a smear-free view? If not, it’s time to replace your wipers. You’ll want to be sure that you’ve got a clear view on your road trip, especially if you’re headed somewhere with potential snowy conditions.
Check the level of your wiper fluid. If it’s low, top it off – be sure to use fluid that won’t freeze if you’re headed somewhere with colder temperatures.
6. Check your brakes
It’s extremely important to make sure your brakes are in good condition before you leave on a road trip. If you hit the brakes and hear noises, the car pulls to one side, or you feel vibrations, you should get your brakes replaced.
Follow these simple tips before you leave on your holiday road trip and have a safe holiday season. If there’s anything that needs professional attention, don’t hesitate to call us for a service appointment at 931-906-0002. If you’d like to make your holiday road trip in style, come by and pick up a new pre-owned car or truck – we’ve got the best selection of used cars in Clarksville.