The Road Trip Car Check by Paul

Once the plans for your vacation are all in place, it's time to make sure that your care is set to make the trip. Making sure your car is in proper working condition for any vacation can help to save many headaches and unexpected stops along the way. You should probably make sure your car is good to go before doing any packing, but if you waited, once all of your other planning affairs are in order and you feel like you are ready to take off, glance at a few of these tips to see if your car is making the grade for the road trip car check.

First on the list should probably be all fluid levels in the car. There are a lot of fluids to remember, but they should include power steering fluid, brake fluid, gas, transmission fluid, oil, coolant and antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, and radiator coolant. Any of these fluids that appear to be low need to be topped off. Some may also have a filter that needs to be examined and replaced if needed.
The next things you should probably check on your vehicle are belts and hoses. When looking at the belts and hoses, you are really on the lookout for any signs of wear. If there are cracks or holes in the belts or hoses, they should be replaced. Be sure to do these checks when the engine is off and cool.

Examining the battery should also be part of your checklist. Try to make sure that the terminals are clear of corrosion or battery acid. You can usually find a batter brush to clean these with, which can also be done by mixing baking soda and water. If you need to, replace the terminals. Be sure that the cables are also clean. You can help them from corroding by coating the terminals with something like lithium grease.

Make sure that your brakes are in working order. If you find anything suspicious about the way the brakes are functioning, you might have them inspected to make sure everything is all right. While you're inspecting the brakes, you may also wish to examine your tires. Be sure they are not overly worn. If you need to, have them rotated or any worn ones replaced. Be sure to also check your spare tire to make sure it will function properly in case you need it.

Check the vehicle's heating and air conditioning to make sure they are working properly as well. If they do not appear to be working properly, such as taking too long to do their job, they may need a little touch up maintenance.

Lastly, be sure to check your wipers and lights. Your wipers should be able to clean your windshield just fine in case you run into rain or some other substance on your window that blocks your view. If the wipers drag while wiping or chatter, they may need to be replaced. Your lights should also all be working properly, from headlights to brake lights to turn signals and more. Bring extra bulbs if you need to.
Road Trip Car Check
A vacation doesn't have to be ruined by car troubles. If you are planning a vacation, try creating a checklist involving the items listed above. You can also usually get a trip inspection by a professional if you need to. A safe car can really help to make a safe trip.