Summer is just around the corner, so it’s time to get your vacation plans ready. You’ll need to choose a destination, the hotel, figure out what clothes to wear, and whether you plan to drive or fly. If you plan to drive to your destination, check these five parts of your car before you take a long road trip.
1. Check the belts and hoses
A broken belt or leaking radiator hose can easily derail your road trip in a heartbeat. If it’s been a while since your car was serviced, check all radiator and engine hoses. Also, check the drive belts on the engine itself. Here are signs of wear and tear to check for, according to Life Hacker:
- Bright spots: Used belts can develop shiny spots over time, which can cause them to slide out of place. (Also known as “glasses”)
- Cracks or cracks: Check the back of the belt (the ribbed part) for cracks or splits
- Voltage drop: A loose belt can slip off the pulleys
If the belts are checked, check the hoses as well. Here are some signs of trouble to look out for:
- Cracks and bumps: Cracked or bulging hoses are likely to leak. Look for cracks around the hose bends and check for bulges when the engine is hot.
- Glass spots or scratches: Heat damage can melt the hoses, causing them to appear shiny as the hoses begin to harden. In addition, chafing can occur and leave crack marks.
- Soft Points: Squeeze the hoses near the calipers when the engine is cold to check for soft spots.
If you don’t feel comfortable checking the life of your car’s belts and hoses, be sure to take it to a mechanic to have them checked.
2. Checking the tires is very important
Since your car’s tires are the only parts that connect it to the ground, it’s important to check them before you go on a trip. Make sure they are set to the correct pressure; the recommended pressure can be found in the owner’s manual or on the door jamb. You can also use the penny test to check the tread of your tires and see if they need to be replaced.
3. Inspect the brake pads
Although changing your car’s brake pads is quite an ordeal, at least you can check them before you go on a trip. Life Hacker says you can “take a flashlight, get down to the level of the brake pads and see how thick (or thin) the pads are.” If they are less than a quarter inch thick, they may need to be replaced.
4. Check the fluids and top them up
Your car typically needs five to six different fluids filled or topped off before a road trip. Here are the fluids you should check:
- engine oil
- brake fluid
- Transmission fluid (if automatic)
- Refrigerant
- Power steering fluid
- Windshield wiper fluid
Checking these fluids is relatively simple, as most of them can be checked with a dipstick or by looking at the level. Make sure the engine is cold so you don’t have a face full of coolant when you check the radiator. Also, if you notice any leaks, make sure to have a mechanic address them as soon as possible.
5. Inspect the windshield wipers and headlights
Before leaving for a trip, check the headlights to make sure they are working properly, as well as the windshield wipers. Even if it’s not raining, it’s a good idea to have good windshield wipers to clean your windshield while driving.
Inspect your car before taking a road trip
If you’re planning a long road trip this summer, check out these top parts ahead of time. There is nothing worse than being stuck in the middle of nowhere. Otherwise, you should also look into flying.
