Car trouble threatens millions of family vacations every year. AAA and Cross Country Motor Services report 50 percent increases in highway service and emergency calls during the summer months. Most noteworthy: flat tires, engines overheating, and vehicle lockouts. To avoid motor-travel interruptis, consider the following simple precautionary measures before mapping out your next excursion.
- Tires. Check for uneven wear, cracking, peeling or bumps along the sidewall. Rotate, balance, and inflate all four tires to the manufacturers recommended PSI for a fully loaded vehicle.
- Oil. Change your auto’s oil. Synthetic oil resists breakdown in high heat and humidity. Oil changes are recommended every 3,000 miles and should be done by a reputable dealer using OEM parts.
- Battery. The average lifespan of a battery is three years. Extreme heat or cold will reduce the life expectancy to two years or less. Determine how old your battery is and check for dry cells. Fill the liquid cavities with distilled water only! Clean off any corrosion around the posts or metal connectors. Tighten all cables and secure the battery in its’ housing.
- Washer fluid. Fill all washer fluid reservoirs. Vehicles with rear wipers often have a second container located in the rear near the light housing and accessible through the trunk interior.
- Brake and Transmission fluid. Automobile manufacturers place important fluids in clear containers often marked with yellow caps to make them easier to find under the hood. Healthy transmission fluid should be red. If the color is dark brown or smells burnt, it is time to change it. Brake fluid is clear or slightly yellow and must be filled to the marking on the container. Any noticeable change in the vehicles braking response should be discussed with a certified auto technician immediately.
- Coolant. Coolant breaks down from severe hot or cold, causing poor driving performance, engine overheating or irreversible damage to the motor. A complete coolant or radiator flush should be done according to your owner’s manual and no less than every two years or 24,000 miles in extreme climates. Read the container label carefully for instructions on mixing the specific number of parts water to the number of parts concentrate, when refilling your radiator.
- Air conditioning. Raise the hood on your car while the engine is on. Turn the air conditioning button on and listen for squeaks, squeals, hissing or clunking noises. Turn the air conditioning off while the engine is still running and listen again. If you hear any of these tell tale sounds, visit your dealership for a complete air conditioning diagnostic. Remember to shut off your air conditioning before you turn off the engine, this reduces the demand on the vehicle’s electrical system when you start the motor.
- Air filter. Change your air filter every six months or 6,000 miles, for enhanced vehicle performance and gas mileage.
- Roof rack. All vehicles have a total load limit. The load allowance includes the amount of weight the roof rack can bear, usually 150 lbs. or less. The roof rack load allowance must be included in the total vehicle weight limit. This weight limit includes the vehicle’s curb weight plus the average weight of the occupants, belongs, fuel and roof cargo. Overloading the vehicle may result in vehicle instability, tire blow-out, and reduced fuel economy. Local truck stops have vehicle scales available to check your load weight.
- Towing. In addition to measuring weight allowances in your vehicle, review the maximum trailer weight rating of your vehicle when fully loaded. A weight distributing receiver with electrical outlet for trailer brake lights and hook-ups for safety chains is the preferred towing method of most manufacturers. U-Haul and Camping World offer a large selection of hitches and installation services to insure a safe tow.
As you pack the family ride don’t forget you road safety kit including: jumper cables, first aid kit, rag, flares or safety triangles, jack, tool kit with pliers and wrench, flashlight and jug of distilled water. Don’t forget to keep an extra car key in your back pocket at all times. Have a fun and safe travel vacation!
Sarah Lee Marks is a twenty-year veteran of the automobile business. She can make your next car deal a no hassle experience. MyCarLady.com
