Bad things do happen to good people when they drive. But you can take some simple steps that will increase your odds of avoiding the inconvenience of breaking down miles away from home. In fact, the Car Care Council suggests conducting a simple driveway inspection before hitting the road to help ensure a hassle-free Labor Day weekend.
“With these four easy steps, motorists can identify how road-ready their vehicle is right in their own driveway,” says Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “No one wants to experience the hassle of car trouble away from home. With this simple pre-trip vehicle inspection, you can have peace of mind because you took steps to avoid spending your holiday weekend on the side of the road.”
Here are those four quick tips from the Car Care Council:
1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power-steering, brake and transmission fluid, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
2. Check the hoses and belts, which can become cracked, brittle, frayed and loose, or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power-steering and cooling system.
3. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
4. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly, and inspect and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.
