Americans are ready to vacation again. After several years of lock downs, travel restrictions, and unwillingness of leaving the house, a new AAA poll is showing 85% of Americans are planning vacation travel for 2022 with driving personal vehicles prevailing as the most popular choice. With more road time in your vehicle comes more risk of mechanical problems or safety issues, which could lead to disaster for your well-earned getaway. I have put together a few suggestions for you.
One of the most overlooked maintenance items on cars today is tire pressure, but it is one of the easiest and most important things you can fix yourself before hitting the road. Tire pressures being set correctly helps your car handle better, tires last longer and even save fuel.
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Most newer automobiles have the tire pressure specification printed on a sticker in the driver door jamb. Always use this specification instead of the one on the tire, as it considers the vehicle weight and purpose. Most people also forget to check the spare tire pressure and tool kit contents for a tire change. If you are unsure on how to check your tire pressure, most car repair shops will do it for free.
Tire condition is also important, so make sure you have enough tread for safe operation, and there is no damage to the side walls of the tires or the wheels.
Checking for fluid level and condition is a little more involved than tire pressure but it is still an important part of making sure you are ready for your trip. Consulting the owner’s manual for fluid service intervals and specifications for fluid changes is something that needs to be done a few weeks before you depart.
Make sure you consider the travel distance of the trip in your decision. This is also something a repair shop may do for you for free or as part of a low-cost inspection service, but don’t be afraid to pop the hood and have a look yourself. With newer vehicles, some fluids may not be easily accessible by the car owner.
Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition. Most people find out their wipers are in poor condition at the worst possible time, when it is raining. Most automotive parts stores will change them with the purchase of new ones, so don’t fret about installation costs.
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Making sure the glass is clean and applying a water repelling treatment, such as Rain-X, also increases visibility in the strongest of storms. Also, make sure your exterior lights are in good working order, and replace any burned bulbs with new ones. Not only is this a safety issue, but it will keep you from getting stopped by law enforcement.
If you are unsure about how to do anything above, or you just want a second opinion to your own, a good inspection by an automotive repair shop is also a good idea. Most shops will do the inspection at a low cost, or even free. Tell the shop your plans for the vehicle and they will inspect it, looking for any items that may need your attention. A trained technician may be able to spot things that the average car owner cannot. Make sure you schedule this a few weeks before you leave, as vacation season tends to make most repair facilities busy.
Most of all, enjoy your trip with family and friends, and take lots of pictures.
Taylor Bryant is an automotive instructor at Augusta Technical College.
