Road Trip Checklist
Common car issues during the summer can include coolant issues, radiator leakage and the air conditioner dying. Also, put together a car kit with supplies in the event of a vehicle breakdown.
A roadside emergency kit can ease the pain and reduce the hassle of such breakdowns.
Check Radiator Fan Belt
One of the easiest ways to diagnose problems with a radiator fan belt or serpentine belt is simply to look at the condition of the belt. A worn or slipping belt will usually show signs of damage such as fraying or cracking, and can easily be seen using a flashlight and a small mirror to view the underside of the belt.
Many mechanics recommend that you change a worn belt whenever there are two or more cracks per inch in the belt. Worn belts can also show signs of cording and ribbing. If you have these types of defects in your radiator fan belt, consider purchasing a new belt right away.
If you have a crack that is deeper than half the thickness of the belt, you should change the belt immediately, because it will probably break or snap soon.
Check Tire Pressure
If you use one set of tires year-round, now is a good time to bring your car in for a tire rotation, a check on the tread, and to ensure that they’re inflated properly. If it turns out that your tires need to be replaced, we can help you choose tires that suit your vehicle and are built to last.
Check Fluids
You can save yourself a lot of hassle in the hot-weather months by monitoring your car’s fluids.
Fluids that you should check include:
Coolant: This is the big one. If your coolant/antifreeze level is too low, it can cause overheating.
Motor oil
Transmission fluid
Brake fluid
Power-steering fluid
Battery Check
You can have your battery tested pretty easily with a service technician. If your car has an old battery, extreme summer heat can spell trouble. To avoid expensive repairs, it’s worth having your car’s battery tested, or even replaced-getting a new battery altogether will cost you less than it would to have a dead battery serviced if your car breaks down.
Emergency Car Kit
A car emergency kit is one of those things that you don’t think much about until it’s too late. Then you’ll wish you didn’t leave home without one.
1. Charged cell phone. Although this item will probably be on your person, it may make the difference between getting help fast and maybe not getting help at all.
2. First-aid kit. As well as an assortment of Band-Aids, it should include adhesive tape, gauze pads, aspirin, antiseptic wipes, antiseptic cream or ointment, and anything particular to you or your family.
3. Fire Extinguisher. It should be rated for Class B and Class C fires by the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA.
4. Three reflective warning triangles. While many prepackaged emergency kits contain one warning triangle, best to have three that are placed 50 feet apart to warn oncoming traffic.
5. Nonperishable snacks. Protein bars are a good choice.
6. Drinking Water
7. Jumper cables. They should be at least 10 feet in length and coated with at least 8-gauge rubber.
8. Flashlight and extra batteries. The flashlight should be waterproof.
9. Warm blanket
Be sure and have your vehicle in a road-worthy shape before that road trip.
