Don’t Let Vehicle Breakdowns Ruin Your Vacation!

Don’t Let Vehicle Breakdowns Ruin Your Vacation! 

When preparing for a trip, travelers will remember to make reservations, decide what sights to see, and what clothes to pack. But the most important thing that you may depend on could be your car. Make sure it is ready to go at least one month before leaving. Many times, customers call us just before they plan to leave, only to delay the trip due to major repairs or waiting for parts to come in from out of town. What a disappointment! I remember when I was younger, my family was on a camping trip when one of the vehicles broke down. My cousins, brother and I had to entertain ourselves while we waited for our dads to repair the truck – it seemed like time dragged since we were anxious to get on the road again.

Even though your vehicle may have been very dependable up to this point, still have your vehicle checked before you leave. When you drop off your vehicle for the inspection, make sure you let them know that you are depending on this vehicle for your trip. This way the shop will check things that normally may not be checked. This will not guarantee that you will not break down but will eliminate some of the possibilities.

Check your tires. Are they getting worn? Do they have enough air? Are you prepared in case you have a flat with a spare tire and tools to change it, including the key to remove the lug nuts. If your tires look like they are wearing unevenly, have the alignment checked in case you might have any bad front end parts. When you have the tires rotated, have the condition of the brakes checked. If you plan to pull a trailer, make sure the tires on your vehicle are of the proper load range to handle the extra weight.

Listen to your engine. Do you hear any unusual noises such as rattles or whines? It could be a sign of something serious. If you ignore these warning signs, you could be left stranded. Plus, with the price of fuel today, you want to obtain the best gas mileage your vehicle can get.

Check the oil. Many times, shops will do a safety check when doing oil changes – some shops may charge a little extra but it will be worth it if it prevents a breakdown. In addition to checking for oil leaks, ask your mechanic to check for worn hoses, belts, fluids, battery, windshield wipers, lights and other components.

Pay attention to your fuel gauge. Some older vehicles do not have accurate gauges. The last thing you want to do is run out of gas miles away from home. A friend of ours was traveling in an older car. He said he filled up and had been traveling for hours when he noticed that his fuel gauge had not moved for quite a while. He was sweating as he watched for the next exit with a gas station.

Always travel prepared. If you have AAA, make sure you have the number with you along with other emergency numbers. Have your updated insurance card in the glove box. Take an emergency kit with a minimum of basic tools, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, warning devices such as reflective triangles and a first aid kit. If you take a cellular phone, make sure you have a charger that can be used in your vehicle or an extra battery. You will not regret being prepared but you may regret it if you aren’t. Have a safe trip and enjoy yourself.

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