Tips for Fantastic Summer Road Trips

Tips for Fantastic Summer Road Trips
(NewsUSA) - The summer road trip is an American tradition. Each year, families across the country pack up their belongings and brave the roads to visit relatives, explore national parks and snap family photos at popular tourist destinations. Before departing on this year's family road trip, make sure that your vehicle is in proper working order by following a few important maintenance tips:

In order to avoid costly repairs, Firestone Complete Auto Care recommends having an ASE-Certified technician perform a complete vehicle inspection as well as an air conditioning check on your vehicle at least once per year, and before you depart for a road trip. This service will help identify any potential issues and can help save you money and frustration in the long run.

Before getting on the road this summer, it's important to check your vehicle's fluid levels, lights and windshield wipers. Check the engine oil, brake fluid, windshield washer and coolant levels when the engine is cold. Once your vehicle is warmed up, check the levels of your transmission fluid and power steering fluid. If any fluid is low, consult your owner's manual for instructions on how to properly add fluids to your vehicle. In addition, make sure to check your lights and windshield wipers. Windshield wipers should be replaced at the first signs of trouble, like streaking or noisy operation, in order to provide the best visibility while on the road.

One of the most important, and most overlooked, components of vehicle safety are the tires. Make sure to check your tire pressure on all of your tires, including the spare, with a tire gauge at least once per month, when the tires are cold or have been driven less than three miles. The recommended tire inflation pressure for your vehicle can be found on the driver's side door jamb, fuel filler lid or glove box or in the owner's manual. In addition to checking your tire-inflation pressure, have an ASE-certified technician inspect your tread depth and tire condition regularly.

Making sure your vehicle is in tip top shape before leaving for a road trip not only will offer peace of mind, it can help you avoid an unnecessary detour to an auto repair shop.

Trisha Hessinger is a former racecar driver and nationally recognized automotive education specialist for Firestone Complete Auto Care.

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