On the Road Again?

Summer has arrived! Your car is packed and everyone is ready to hit the road. Whether you’re setting off on a family vacation or taking your child to college, a pre-trip vehicle checkup could make the difference between great times with your family and being stuck on the side of the road. Keep your family safe and run through this quick checklist to make sure your vehicle is ready for any issues that may arise.

Check the fluid levels. This includes oil, antifreeze/coolant, and brake, windshield-washer, power-steering and transmission fluids. If you’ve driven between 3,000 and 5,000 miles since having the oil changed, consider getting your vehicle’s oil replaced. If you plan on taking care of the oil yourself, be advised not to add new oil to the old, as sludge may have built up. Also, always make sure to replace the oil filter when changing the oil.

Check the wear on the tires. You’ll want to make sure your car’s tires have enough tread depth remaining to reduce the possibility of hydroplaning. Tire tread should be at least two-thirty-seconds of an inch—past Lincoln’s head when inserting a penny into the tread head first—on normal tires.

Check the air pressure of the tires. The recommended air pressure can be located in the owner’s manual or on a sticker on the driver’s-side doorjamb. The pressure marked on the tires is the maximum you should not exceed. While checking the air pressure, don’t overlook checking the spare tire, too.

Check to make sure the lights and signals are working properly. This includes the headlights, taillights, four-way signals, brakes and turn signals. Replace the bulbs as necessary. You may even consider keeping spare bulbs in your car in the event a light goes out.

Are you prepared for an emergency? Things happen, which is why it’s important to make sure you’re fully equipped to handle any problems that come your way.

Check to make sure your vehicle has the following items:

     √ Spare tire

     √ Jack and wrench

     √ Up-to-date map

     √ Cellphone and cellphone charger

     √ Reflective warning triangle

     √ Car emergency kit: flashlight, screwdriver, road flares, medical supplies, water bottles

If you haven’t had your vehicle serviced in quite some time, it may be a good idea to schedule a vehicle maintenance inspection at your preferred automotive service center. Visit AAA.com/aar to find a AAA-inspected and -certified Approved Auto Repair facility near you.