It pays to prepare your car for a road trip whether you’re driving to your relatives for the holidays or taking the kids to summer camp. There’s never a guarantee that you won’t have vehicle trouble out on the road. If you do have a breakdown, be sure to have a “roadside survival kit” and make sure it includes a blanket, flashlight, extra food, and water. You will also want to have a copy of your car’s warranty, insurance, and contact information for your emergency car care service in the glove compartment. Also,
bring along a spare set of car keys in case you lose your keys. Also, the following are some pre-trip maintenance tips to prepare your car for your next road trip:
Coolant
If you notice a sweet smell when the engine is off, you may have a coolant leak. If there are green or yellow streaks on the engine-oil dipstick, you most likely have a leak. Get it checked out at Stryker Bros., a reliable car repair shop near Lake Stevens, WA.
Oil
Have the oil changed in your vehicle and be sure to have your mechanic check the brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant strength, and power-steering fluid.
Belts & Hoses
Make sure your belts and hoses are in good shape.
Battery
Have your battery checked and get a new one if there’s the chance of a problem.
Gas
Depending on the weather, you want to keep your fuel tank above half full to prevent condensation from forming, as that might result in a frozen fuel line.
Windshield
Replace worn wiper blades and top off your winter washer fluid.
