Do you feel the heat?
If you do, then it is also important for you to keep in mind that you are not the only one who is going to be affected by the heat. Take a look around. Do you see your car? Yes, your vehicle is also greatly affected by the summer heat. So make sure that you prep it up before you use it for your summer vacation.
Juan Crespo is the ASE Master Technician for one of the country's largest suppliers of auto products, CarMax. And on the changing weather, Crespo maintains, "Following your maintenance schedule can prevent your vacation from becoming a mechanical nightmare, particularly if a breakdown could have been prevented." To do that goal, he shares, "Take your car to a certified automotive technician for a full safety inspection at least one week before you plan to leave for vacation. If a problem is discovered, this allows enough time to have it fixed."
To be sure that your technician is doing the right check-ups, you should also be armed with information. You should know that the technician should be able to check the fluid levels of your vehicle as well as the tire pressure and condition for you would be driving through long roads and a breakdown could really get nasty. The should also be checked as well as other important parts like the brakes, wipers, lights, belts, hoses, and the whole air conditioning unit.
After the check-up but before you start out on your trip, you should make sure that you have a safety kit in your vehicle. You also should have a kit for road emergencies. These would help you out keep your cool and be in charge in cases of mishaps. Your kits should have flashlights, flares, cables, tire inflators, other fluids, a car jack, some gloves to protect your hands, water, a blanket, and some rags. You can also add in other equipment and tools like cutters, a saw, and pliers among many other necessary items.
When you are packing, make sure that you do not bring stuff that you would not need. Your car would be using up a grand amount of gas if you are fully loaded. Also do not forget to buckle up once you are on your way to your destination.
And the last thing to remember is to have fun. That is what vacations are all about!
