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A Guide to Inspecting Your Car Before a Road Trip from Cars Protection Plus

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According to AAA, record numbers of US drivers are expected to take to the open road this summer. Whether planning on a leisurely drive in the country or an epic road trip adventure, making sure your vehicle is up to the task is essential. Ensure your vacation doesn’t turn stressful by giving your vehicle a checkup before you get going. The experts at Cars Protection Plus put together the following guide for inspecting your vehicle before a long road trip. Follow the steps below to ensure a smooth journey.

  1. Review Your Fluids – Your owner’s manual is the best reference when it comes to fluid reservoir locations and optimal levels. Park on a level surface and be sure to set the parking brake. Check your oil, coolant, windshield washer and brake fluid, all of which could prevent an unnecessary accident or breakdown.
  1. Get Some Air – There are few things that put a damper on a road trip quicker than a flat tire. But finding out that your spare tire is just as flat is definitely one of them. People forget far too often to check the air pressure in all five tires before a road trip. Ensure each tire has the optimum level of air, according to the owner’s manual, and you should be in good shape.
  1. Put Abe to Work – Goodyear recommends checking tread depth using the penny test. Simply insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 inch and it’s time to replace your tires.
  1. Grab a Buddy – Most cars will have an indicator that alerts the driver when a light is out, but it’s better to be safe than sorry before a long road trip. Take a friend outside with you at night and have them report on the lights of your car. Check the headlights, taillights, reverse lights and blinkers.
  1. Get Clean – Keeping a clean vehicle is important for more than just vanity. There are huge safety benefits to having a clean car. Clean windows and headlamps ensure your views are never obstructed on the highway.
  1. Get Packed Up – Packing may seem like a pain while you’re doing it, but it sure feels good to have your belongings when you need them. The same can be said for emergency car equipment. Pack an emergency kit for your car including batteries, flashlights, screwdrivers and a puncture repair kit. It will be well worth the effort if problems arise.

The Five Most Common Auto Repairs

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Whether you own a new or pre-owned vehicle, it’s inevitable your car will need service and repairs. Here are some of the most common auto repairs you can expect to encounter.

Brakes

The brakes are your vehicle’s most crucial safety feature. Most vehicles require a new set of brake pads every 40,000 miles. If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving, then you’ll need new brake pads more often. Your vehicle brake light may appear on the dashboard when your brakes need replacing. You might also notice squeaking and squealing sounds, or your car is taking longer than usual to stop. To avoid any issues, have your brake system routinely inspected when you have your vehicle serviced.

Tires

Your tires require routine maintenance and must be replaced once worn. You should have your tires rotated with every oil change, or every 3,000 to 8,000 miles, depending on your tire tread. You can find how often they should be rotated in the owner’s manual. Regular tire rotations and maintaining the correct tire pressure can help you minimize wear and get the most out of your tires. On average, tires should be replaced every 60,000 miles.

Battery

Most car batteries need replacing every four to six years. While worn brakes may squeak when they need replacing, car batteries can fail without warning and leave you stranded. This is why it’s important to get your car battery inspected regularly and to have a vehicle protection plan that offers reliable roadside assistance.

O2 Sensor

The O2 sensor monitors how much unburned oxygen is in the exhaust as it exits the engine. When the check engine light comes on, it usually means you need a new O2 sensor. O2 sensors typically need to be replaced every 60,000 to 90,000 miles.

Oil Changes

Cars require oil changes on a regular basis. You can find the oil change interval for your vehicle in the owner’s manual. As a general rule of thumb, oil changes are needed every three months or three thousand miles to keep the vehicle operating at peak performance and avoid costly internal damage. Newer car models monitor oil life and notify drivers via a dashboard light when it’s time for an oil change.

These are the five most common auto repairs. To cover the cost of necessary and unexpected vehicle repairs, many car owners invest in a quality vehicle protection plan. Without a protection plan, drivers incur 100% of the expenses of servicing and repairs. CARS Protection Plus provides a variety of quality vehicle service contracts designed for varying needs and budgets. When you need servicing or repairs, CARS Protection Plus reviews your claim and provides quick, hassle-free payment of authorized repairs directly to your repair facility.