Ways To Prepare Your Vehicle for Holiday Travel
The holidays are a magical time for most people. This is when most people connect with friends and family. For many, this means hitting the road. But as you start packing your bags and preparing to travel for the holidays, it is crucial to remember that your car may not be ready for a long trip. While you might be tempted to save time and/or money by putting off vehicle maintenance, you could end up paying for damage that could have been avoided. Worse, you might end up getting involved in an accident because of neglected repairs or maintenance. Preparing your vehicle for holiday travel is vital to save money and protect yourself, your passengers, and other road users. Below is a brief guide on how to prepare your car for holiday travel;
- Inspect Your Tires
Give special attention to your tires because they are the part of your vehicle that directly touches the ground. Inspect the tire pressure to ensure your tires are properly inflated. Improper tire inflation can cause premature tire replacement and blowouts on the road. The proper amount of air you should have in your tires can be found in your vehicle’s manual. If you don’t have the manual, a qualified mechanic can help fill your tires with the proper PSI. But, while all cars have unique specifications for tire pressure, most fall between 28 and 36 PSI.
Second, check the tire tread. Tire tread provides traction (helping you accelerate, brake, or steer) and channels water away from your tires so they can stay in contact with the road during rainy days. Low tire tread can cause you to lose control of your car, especially when the road is wet.
Additionally, align and balance your tires to ensure they wear evenly. Uneven tire wear can lead to tires not being aligned properly, and even a small imbalance in weight can easily become a big problem.
- Insect Your Brakes
Brakes are vital for your safety and the safety of your passengers and other road users. Brakes allow you to control your vehicle’s speed and stop safely. Properly functioning breaks can be the difference between avoiding an accident and being involved in one. Listen for unusual noises when braking, such as grinding or squealing. If you notice anything unusual, have a professional inspect your brakes.
- Top Off Necessary Fluids
Take a moment to check all your car’s fluids. Proper fluid levels ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and prevent breakdowns. Some fluids to check and top up include coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
- Check Your Battery
Before embarking on a holiday trip, check your battery. Replace your battery if it is old or giving you trouble. Check for signs of corrosion and ensure the terminals are tight.
- Check Your Lights and Wipers
Ensure all lights, including headlights, turn signals, and brake lights, work well. Fix any non-functional light(s) before your trip. Also, inspect your windshield wipers. Replace your wipers if they are worn down.
In Case of an Accident, Legal Help Is Available
In case of a car accident, you should immediately contact an attorney. Our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm have years of experience helping car accident victims secure justice and compensation. We can help you, too.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
pirelli.com/tires/en-us/car/driving-and-tire-tips/how-to-read/recommended-tire-pressure#:~:text=Each%20vehicle%20has%20its%20own%20specifications%20for%20tire%20pressure%2C%20but%20most%20fall%20between%2028%20and%2036%20PSI%20(pounds%20per%20square%20inch).
