Your family reunion should be a joyous and peaceful occasion, and believe it or not, that can include the drive. Making sure that your car is in shape to make the trip can ensure you get to your loved ones safe and sound. If you follow these car maintenance tips for your next family reunion, you won’t have to worry about ending up on the side of the road.
Replace the Brakes
The last place you want your breaks to fail is on a road trip. Usually, you’re either on a fast-paced highway or bumper-to-bumper traffic. You need your brakes to work as smoothly as possible in those instances. If you’re not sure whether you should get them checked by your mechanic, there are a few sounds you can watch out for to point you in the right direction. Of course, your family wants you to get there safe just as much as you do.
Check Your Engine
These days, your car engine light will come on if you need to get your engine checked. The engine light may indicate the problem, but you need to take it in if you’re not a professional mechanic. A stress-filled ride before a reunion may lead to a grump mood when you first get there.
However, just because your engine light doesn’t go on, it doesn’t mean that there’s nothing wrong. Relying on your senses rather than a sensor may prevent future headaches. Any odd odors, stalling, new noises, or decrease in gas mileage may mean your engine needs some serious work.
Tire Considerations
Your regular mechanic should be able to tell you whether your tires are up to par. They should rotate your tires and check for any structural damage and punctures. Also, don’t be afraid to tell your mechanic where your destination is. They may recommend you get new tires, even if your current ones are fine now. Also, if you’re headed somewhere cold, they can help install snow chains on your tires to keep you from skidding.
No one wants to hear that you couldn’t make it because of an easy fix, and neither do you. These essential car maintenance tips can get you to your next family reunion safe and on time.
