Four Tips for Your Next Road Trip
It's almost time for that much-anticipated road trip! There's nothing quite like the open road, a great playlist, and the excitement of reaching your destination—until a flashing light on the dashboard ruins the fun.
Whether you're cruising in a brand-new SUV or relying on your trusty sedan, a quick pre-trip check-up is a non-negotiable. You don’t want to be stranded on the side of the highway halfway through your journey!
Here are four essential car care tips to ensure your ride is ready and your trip stays stress-free:
1. Check the Engine Oil
The first thing you want to do is check to that your car has enough oil and isn’t due for an oil change. If you are close to the manufacturer-recommended limit, you’ll need to get an oil change before you leave. This isn’t something you want to neglect. Driving a car without proper oil content, is a good way to ruin more than just your road trip!
2. Check the Tire Pressure and Tread
It's important to always check tire pressure before heading out on a long trip. Driving on tires with improper inflation pressure is dangerous and can cause tire damage as well as affect the vehicle's ride, handling and fuel economy. When you check to see how much pressure your tires should have, check the label on the inside of the drivers door to find the recommended tire pressure. Next, look at the condition & tread of your tires. If they have seen better days, it’s always a good idea to get new ones before a road trip. Your tires are only going to get worse with travel. Before you go, make sure your spare is properly inflated and your jack is not defective.
3. Check the Brakes
As brake fluid ages it turns to a rusty color and begins rusting your brake components. When you check the brake fluid in your car, make sure it is topped to the full mark, and check the color. If your brake fluid hasn’t been flushed in two or three years, you should get it done before you leave. Your brake pads should have 1/4 of an inch of pad or more.
4. Check the Lights
If you’re on a road trip, there’s a good chance that you’ll be doing some driving at night or in bad weather. If that’s the case, you’ll want to check your car lights to make sure they are all working correctly - front & back. You also want to make sure that your indicators and brake lights are operational as well. Ensure you know what the lights on your dashboard mean.
Before you hit the road for your adventure, a quick check of your car is key to a stress-free trip. If you happen to notice a chip or a crack in your windshield, don't let it become a vacation headache!
Here at AutoGlass Solutions, we make sorting out a replacement windshield simple, fast, and easy so you can get back to what matters most: your holiday travel and family time.
For Florida drivers with comprehensive insurance, your windshield replacement is often covered at no extra cost to you, as deductibles are waived by Florida law. We work directly with all major insurance providers and handle the paperwork for you. Just call your insurance company, let them know you choose AutoGlass Solutions as your mobile shop, and they'll send us the claim details.
No comprehensive coverage? No problem. We offer competitive pricing. Need a quote? Click here to request your free, no-obligation quote or simply call/text us at 407-367-8365 to get started!