How to Make Sure Your Car Is Road-Trip Ready
How to Make Sure Your Car Is Road-Trip Ready
Posted on October 7, 2024
Excited about your adventure on the great open road? Terrific, but first you should make sure your vehicle is ready for the long drive. Preparing for your road trip is about more than packing a suitcase. Avoid bumps along the way with a few vehicle service checks before you hit the highway. Ford service in Calgary is one way to ensure your vehicle is in good driving condition for any trip you are about to embark on.
Road Trip Checks
Whether you do it yourself or get a certified mechanic to check things out, here are some things to tick off your list before leaving your driveway:
- Tire Check – Are those tires inflated properly? A pressure checker will let you know. Make sure the tires are the correct pounds per square inch (PSI) recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. This number is usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Low tire pressure can cause poor wear on your tires and high pressure can cause loss of traction.
It is also important to check the wheel alignment and balance of your tires. You want to be in control of your steering and uneven suspension can lead to uncontrollable veering to one side or the other.
- Fluid Check – Six essential fluid levels need monitoring. These are the oil, radiator, power steering, transmission, brake, and windshield washer fluids. A smooth-running vehicle relies on all of these to be at the proper level and in good condition. Regular oil changes help eliminate dirt and debris build-up and help your engine run smoothly. Low antifreeze puts your vehicle at risk of overheating.
- Lights – Lights always happen before action. Have someone stand outside your vehicle as you flash your blinkers, signals, fog lights, high beams, and brake lights. They can tell you if everything is visible and in working condition so you can stay safe on the road. It is important other vehicles see you and you can see what is in front of you.
- Brake Check – Do your brakes work properly? Make sure they are functioning properly. Strange sounds like squeaking and grinding may indicate it’s time for new brakes. You never want to lose control of your vehicle, so this is one of the most important components to check. Brake pads wear out, making it more difficult to stop your vehicle.
- Air Conditioning and Heating – To stay comfortable on the road, you want to have proper cooling and heating. Test your air temperature and blow strength so you know everything is working as it should.
- Emergency Kit – Make sure you have a handy emergency kit in your trunk or somewhere easily accessible. Unexpected situations can happen. You can have a better chance of getting out of a negative occurrence when you have a handy kit that includes first aid items and things like a flashlight, flares, and a mini toolbox. You might be able to get yourself out of a tricky situation if roadside assistance isn’t accessible. Also, knowing how to change a tire can keep you on the road.
- Energy – Having water and snacks on hand will keep your energy levels up so you are not sleepy on the drive. You don’t want to suddenly veer off into the ditch because you are tired. This is also beneficial if you must take an unexpected detour or get stuck in traffic, taking longer to get to your destination than planned.
- Navigation – Updating your navigation system regularly will keep you on the right path. Depending on your system and settings, you can also be informed if there is unusually heavy traffic on the route ahead or an accident. Always stay a step ahead so you can adjust if need be.
It is important to check your vehicle before leaving home for an extended period. Ford service in Calgary has Ford parts Canada to help you have a smooth ride. Certified technicians may recommend an additional service that could mean the difference between a difficult or easy journey.
Ready to Go
When you come to Metro Ford, you know you can rely on our Ford service in Calgary for all your vehicle needs. Regular maintenance of your car or truck keeps your vehicle running smoothly and helps keep you safe on any road. Whether drive a used or new vehicle, we will take care of all the service details for you so you can relax and have the road trip of a lifetime!