Going on a long road trip can be an exciting adventure. You have planned where you will stay when you reach your destination. And you have probably already prepared for food and gas along the way. But if you fail to make sure your car is safe for the journey ahead; your trip could be over before it even starts.

 

What to Check Before You Start on your Next Road Trip 

Finding yourself stranded on the side of the road due to a flat tire or other car maintenance issues is never a good thing. But, when you are on a road trip with your friends or family, and hundreds of miles from home, this minor inconvenience can turn into a disaster. Not only do you have to deal with towing your car or paying out high maintenance fees, but you may also need to postpone your plans until a later date.

 

To help eliminate this issue, here are a few tips to add to your car safety checklist before you head out on your next road trip.

 

Schedule a Checkup 

If it has been a while since your car’s last tune-up, you will want to get in touch with your local mechanic and schedule a checkup. Along with changing your oil and making sure your engine is good to go, they can also check out your brake pads for wear and tear, find out if your air filter needs changing and check to ensure that your wipers and headlights are working properly. They can also investigate any other issues that you may be concerned about before you head out on the road.

 

Check Your Car’s Battery 

A dead battery is one of the most common reasons why travelers become stranded on the side of the road. If you are checking your battery on your own, you should know that a fully charged battery should be at least 12.6 volts or higher while at rest, and between 13.7 and 14.7 volts while the car is running. To test your battery, start your car and look at your headlights. If your lights are dim, it may be time to replace the battery, especially if you are planning a long trip.

 

Check Your Tires 

Before you start your road trip, you should check all your tires, especially the spare, to ensure that they are at the right pressure. If you have a tire that is lower than it should be, it could leak. You can always refill the tire with air for a quick fix, but it would be smart to have it fixed by a professional or have the tire replaced. That’s because it will leak and go low once again.

 

You should also check the tire treads to ensure they aren’t worn down. If you don’t have a tire tread depth gauge, you can use a penny instead. Place the upside down penny in the tire tread grooves. If you can see Lincoln’s nose and eyes, your tires should be fine. But, if you can see Lincoln’s entire head, this is a good sign that your treads are worn down. If that is the case, then you should replace your tires before you start on your road trip.

 

Wash Your Car 

Washing your car may not seem like a top priority as far as safety is concerned, but washing your car can do much more than ensure it looks great while on the road. It also makes sure that your visibility is clear through your windshield and mirrors. While washing your car, you can also take the time to check your washer fluid and the condition of your windshield wipers. Make sure that there are no cracks in your windshield because these can spread and limit your visibility.

 

Check your Defrosters 

Your car’s defrosters help to make visibility clear while you are driving in cold weather conditions. There are several reasons why a defroster will stop working, such as poor battery function, bad wiring, or not enough antifreeze. Along with making sure your defroster is working, you should also keep a close eye on the local weather and driving conditions. Don’t attempt to drive in weather that is unsafe, especially if you are in an unfamiliar area.

 

To learn more about staying safe while on the road during a long trip, contact the professionals with ProtetiveAgency.com at (877) 739-9367. Our licensed insurance team will be happy to answer any questions you have.