Before you head over the river and through the woods, you need to make sure your car can safely make it to Grandma’s house. You should always perform basic maintenance on your car to check for problems and ensure a smoother, safer trip.
Your car maintenance checklist should always include:
Oil Change
Has it been a few months or few thousand miles since your last oil change? You should get it changed before the trip to avoid major problems out on the road.
Windshield Wipers
A journey through snow, rain or sleet with an unclear windshield is dangerous. Ensure your wiper blades are in good shape and refill your windshield wiper fluid. You can also use products like Rain-X to help rain slide right off the glass.
Tires
Check that your tires are inflated to the right pressure described in your owner’s manual. You should also look for tire damage, especially in the sides of the tires. Damage to the sidewalls can lead to dangerous blowouts on the road.
Also make sure your tires have enough tread left to keep good traction on the road. To check, hold a quarter upside down and place in the tread. If the top of George Washington’s head shows, you need new tires.
Emergency Supplies
Your car should also be packed for an emergency. You should have these supplies:
- Basic tools like wrenches or screwdrivers
- A spare tire and jack
- Road flares or hazard signs
- A first aid kit
- Blankets and water
- A flashlight
- Extra non-perishable food
These items will help you in case you are stranded or face other car problems. You should also keep your cell phone charged.
Other Fluids, Hoses and Belts
Your car also has a number of other fluids, hoses and belts that are important to keep it running properly. A mechanic can check these items during a tune-up to ensure they are in working order so that you don’t face problems on the road.
Jiffy Lube in Pantops Shopping Center can help you get your car ready for the holidays and winter. Call today at 434-977-8622 to schedule a tune-up or oil change for your car.
