College road trip tips

By Shelby Fix, Car Coach 2.0®

Summer is here and that means high school grads will be hitting the road to visit the colleges of their choice. These road trips are fun, but if you get stuck on the side of the road somewhere, it can mess up your excursion. Here’s the smart way to be prepared!

Tire Test- Tires are important — they’re the only things connecting your car to the road, so examine them carefully. Match the tire pressure to the sticker inside your driver’s door jam. You can buy a tire pressure gauge at any auto parts store. Check the tire tread — use the “penny test”. Put the penny into the tread head first, if you can see the top of Lincoln’s hairdo, it’s time for new tires. This will save you from a flat or blown out tire.
Got Fluids? Hot summer weather can wreak havoc on your car’s engine — that’s why it’s important to check your vehicle’s fluids to keep it running smoothly and reliably. If you don’t know how to check your car’s fluids, look in your owner’s manual or go to your local car dealer. Check the oil level, coolant/antifreeze, power steering and brake fluids. You might need to replace or refill the fluids and top off the windshield fluid. Antifreeze is designed to prevent your car from overheating during hot summer months, so this one is so important to check.
Motor Skills- Lift the hood and do a visual inspection of your car’s engine. Start by checking the battery and cables for any cracks, corrosion or dirt. Hot weather can shorten the life of your battery — a dead battery is no fun. Next, take a look at the radiator and hoses for cracks and leaks and don’t forget to change the air filter. Air filters prevent dirt and dust from seeping into your engine, which can decrease the performance of your car’s engine and reduce gas mileage. Make sure to replace your air filter every 15,000-30,000 miles depending, on your vehicle model. Don’t know a thing about checking your engine parts? Don’t worry — your local car dealer can help.
Component Check 101- Make sure your air conditioning is cooling you off. Turn your air conditioning on, let it run for a while and then turn it off. Are your windshield wipers doing their job? Replace worn windshield wiper blades. Never leave home for a long road trip when the Check Engine light is on. It’s important to have engine problems diagnosed and fixed before you start your trip.
Safety First

Have a well-stocked emergency kit in your car at all times, especially for long road trips.

What to pack in case of an emergency–