In addition to lots of time off for holiday vacations, the latter part of the year often comes with plenty of time spent on the road as families migrate from one holiday get-together to another. As you get ready for your next road trip, there are many things you should take into consideration to ensure that your journey is safe and efficient. To help yourself prepare, take a glance at the list of things you should check before departing on your next big drive.
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Tires
You will want to make sure your wheel alignment is up to snuff and that your tire treads aren’t overly worn down. To make sure your tires are properly aligned, you can have your vehicle checked over by professionals when you’re next at the shop. When it comes to checking your treads, a quick method is the penny test. Face a coin towards you and rest its side in one of the grooves of the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, you should look into getting your tires replaced.
Wipers
Make sure your wipers are working correctly. Wipers typically need to be changed every 6 months to a year depending on the severity of weather you experience where you live. Having a fresh set of wipers can help ensure that you will be able to maintain good visibility on the road even during poor weather conditions.
Lights
Go out of your way to check all of your interior and exterior lights to confirm that all of them are working as intended. Take note if either of your headlights or brake lights appear dim and consider replacing them before departing for your trip. To protect yourself from a surprise issue with any of your lights going out, consider keeping a replacement on hand in your vehicle.
Oil and Fluids
Check your oil and fluid levels in your vehicle. Make sure your oil is clean and of adequate levels. You will also want to make sure your other fluids are topped off, such as your windshield wiper fluid and coolant.
Emergency Supplies
Stock your trunk up with emergency tools and supplies, such as a first aid kit, flashlight, bottles of water and jumper cables. This will help you address common issues you may encounter while on an extended trip away from home.
By using the tips above, you can ensure your road trip stays safe and enjoyable.