Checklist for your car before heading out on a Labor Day road trip

by: Xavier Sabastian/Way.com

Posted: Aug 30, 2023 / 02:58 PM EDT

Updated: Aug 30, 2023 / 02:58 PM EDT

There are a number of movies that romanticize road trips. The common thread you will observe in these movies is characters taking their road trip on an impulse. Pack the essentials, jump into their cars or RVs, and drive off. Sorry to disappoint you, but this is a myth. Road trips on impulse without proper planning will have all the equilibrium of a house built on jelly. A lot of planning and groundwork has to be done before you take off on a road trip.

The most important one is the health of your vehicle. Car care is vital, particularly before a road trip, so Way.com has compiled this list of fundamental checks to complete before your upcoming road trip turns into your worst nightmare.

Tires are vital for your safety as well as driving comfort. A well-maintained tire will help reduce your fuel consumption. So, it is essential to check their condition before your trip.

For the uninitiated, there are six essential fluids in your car. Regular service of these fluids will ensure that your mileage will not be affected. If you’re going to hit a service milestone mid-trip, you may want to take care of that job early.

They wear away with use, eventually becoming too thin to work effectively. When this happens, there is an irritating screeching or squealing noise. If you notice these, replace the brake pads to make your road trip safer.

The air filters in your cars prevent dust, debris, and bugs from entering the engine and interior. Once they reach their capacity, they can become clogged, impacting engine performance, fuel economy, and interior air quality. Take your vehicle to the nearest service center and check the quality.

There are a few obvious signs of trouble that anyone can spot under the hood. Press the belts down to make sure they’re tight. The belts should fit in perfectly into the clasp. If the belt has teeth, none of the teeth should be loose. If the belt does skip any teeth, don’t force it. Check the hoses at both ends to see if there are any fluid leaks.

To combat the spread of any infections or diseases, make sure you keep these in your car – Hand sanitizer and disposable gloves.

Car care can be expansive, expensive, and exasperating. But to enjoy a magical, marvelous, and magnificent road trip, make sure to do these basic checks.

This story was produced by Way.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.

Submit

Δ

Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.