Now that summer is here, its time to get in the car and go somewhere! Before you get and go, you need to make sure your car is running smoothly and is properly equipped. Here are some professional tricks to make sure that your vacation doesn’t turn into a mechanical mess.
- First Aid Kit. When on the road, it’s nice to have aspirin, ibuprofen, motion sickness tablets, gauze, alcohol wipes, a finger splint, first aid tape, band-aids and other items to help with minor injuries.
Chrysler Pacifica – GPS - Emergency Kit. It nice to have two roadside flares, extra fuses, a flashlight, a tire inflator, rags, a pocket knife and some tools (pliers, wire cutters, a knife, a bottle opener, screwdriver) handy.
- GPS Navigation System. If your car does not come with a built in Global Positioning System (GPS), then it is strongly recommended that you go out and get one. It is very helpful because it has GPS satellites that determine the vehicle’s exact position to give you the best directions to your desired location.
Before a road trip, it is recommended that you see if your car is running smoothly:
- If your car is due for an oil change soon, it is recommended that you take care of it before you leave. Did you know that McGrath Auto has several service centers in Eastern Iowa? Schedule an oil change appointment today!
McGrath Auto – Oil Change - See if your transmission fluid needs to be changed.
- Check the engine antifreeze level. Please do not open the radiator cap when the engine is hot. If you notice a leak, it should be fixed ASAP so it does not result in the engine overheating, which would cause some serious damage.
- If it takes a lot of power to start your car, then that means that your car battery needs to be checked out. On average, a battery lasts two to five years.
- To make sure that you have good visibility and good handling of the vehicle, its important to check the brake fluid, steering fluid and windshield washer reservoir.
- Changing your air filter regularly because helps increase fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and it prolongs the engine life.
- Making sure that your tires are properly inflated tires with good tread will make your vehicle will get optimal gas mileage and have good traction. Learn more about tires!
- Finally, check the windshield wipers, horn, tail lights, turn signals and headlights to make sure that they are all working properly.
