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How To Check Your Car Before a Road Trip

Hand out car window on open road
Image: http://glassduffle.com/

Are you planning a road trip within the near future? Please make sure that your car is ready for the trip to? The best way to safeguard your road trip is to let a mechanic perform a full safety inspection on your car a week or two before your trip. A mechanic will check everything to make sure your car is reliable for the trip. A safety inspection will help immensely because a small repair now could spare you a big expensive repair later on.
There are particular factors to take into consideration when checking your tyres for a road trip and those details are included in this Article.

  • If the car “wanders” from side to side at highway speed that means the steering wheel is off-center. If the car pulls to one side, the wheel alignment should be checked.
  • Ensure that all shocks, CV joints and springs are in good working order. If there is any sign of damage on any of the parts then it needs to be replaced immediately.
  • Checking the fluids in your car may help you avoid an accident or an unnecessary breakdown, this includes oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and brake fluid.
  • Ensure that all pipes and belts are tightly secured.
  • Ensure that all lights and signals are functional on your car and replace bulbs as necessary. Also take note that occasionally, lights may not work because a fuse needs to be replaced.
  • You need to ensure that your wipers give you a smear-free view and if they don’t, it is time to put on new wipers.
  • Your car’s brakes are your last line of defense and you need it to be in top-notch condition.
  • The air filter keeps the wrong particles from entering the engine but, with time, it gets dirty and becomes less effective. It needs to be checked regularly, especially before a lengthy road trip.
  • Ensure that the electrical and ignition systems are as good as new and make sure your car’s battery and cables are securely attached and free of corrosion.
  • You need to ensure that the petrol cap is tightened properly. If this cap is not secure, the petrol will evaporate from your tank as you drive.
  • Please keep in mind that no matter how much maintenance you and your mechanic do on you vehicle it is not a guarantee that you will not have auto troubles on the road. You have to be prepared for the worst and having a roadside survival kit at hand will make an unexpected breakdown a lot less stressful.
  • You should keep a copy of your car’s warranty and contact information for all the emergency care services you have at your disposal should be kept in your glove compartment. You should take along a set of spare keys to your car and have a mobile GPS system at hand to.

If you have followed these guidelines I am certain that you can now head off on a well-deserved holiday with your family. Enjoy your trip.

A1 Wheel and Tyre is a private family owned and operated company specialising in the warehouse and distribution of wheels and tyres to the automotive fitment trade. The company has a well established operation in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Visit our website for details and images of our mag wheel range: http://www.a1wheelandtyre.com.
Feel free to contact us on Tel.: 011 832 1091 or Email: sales@a1wheelandtyre.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=T_Da_Costa

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