Going on a Road Trip Soon? Do These Before You Hit the Road

Taking a road trip with family and friends is always fun! Planning the trip can be just as exciting but remember that road safety should never be taken for granted. Here are 6 simple but important things that you should do before hitting the road with the people you care about.

1. Schedule a checkup. It’s either you take your car to your car maker’s service center for a checkup or a call a mechanic to come over and take a look at your car’s condition. Usually small tasks like a small tune up, oil-change, replacing brake pads, wipers or filers is something that your trusty mechanic can do at a reasonable fee. Do not travel in your vehicle when something does not sound or feel right.
2. Check your car’s battery. Getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery can start a chain of bad experiences if not disasters. So before the trip make sure that you have a fully charge battery. Generally speaking, a fully charged battery, at rest, should be at 12.6 volts or above while it should be 14.7 volts when the engine’s running. One of the signs that your battery is running out of juice is that the headlights are dim. Also, be sure to check for corrosion, leaks or cracks in the battery before you hit the road.
3. Check your tires—and the spare. Be sure to check your manual for the right tire pressure for your vehicle. Usually there is a sticker or card in the side door jamb in the driver’s side. Be sure that your tires are not worn out, the tires do not wobble or do not leak air. Be sure that your spare tire also has the right air pressure and know where to your tools are located in the vehicle in case you get a flat tire down the road.
4. Wash your car. Be sure that you have good visibility through the windows and the mirrors. A dirty window can limit your visibility at night or when there are lights from outside.
5. Check your air-con, defroster, heater etc. You want to be comfortable while travelling inside your car.
6. And keep emergency numbers handy. Engine trouble can still happen despite all preparations. So just in case you run into one, it’s important that you know what number to call for road side assistance. 

BONUS: Don’t let cellphones run out of juice while travelling. 

These care tips are brought to you by TCK Insurance Agency. Need auto insurance? We will help you find the best deal and the personal attention that you deserve. 

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