Car Preparation Tips before Your Summer Trip

• Author: Adi
• Filed under: Tips and Advise, City Accommodations
• Date: May 10,2008

Breakdown could happened anytime and ruin your lovely summer plan. These tips might prevent your car from the unexpected breakdown:

1. Emergency Kit - Never forgot to bring some basic items in case of any emergency situations. Basic tools, windshield washer fluid, gloves, jumper cables, flash light, first aid, and a gallon of gas are some items that you might want to consider as your emergency kit. If you’re using car rental , ask whether they able to provide some of these emergency stuff.

2. Cooling system - check your coolant (remember to do this only when the engine is cold) and make sure that the radiator fins is not clogged by debris or dirt. Also keep an eye on the oil and fluids level for brakes, power steering and transmission.

3. Tires - Check the recommended pressure rating for your car in the owner’s manual and make sure the actual tire’s pressure are within this recommended range. Tire pressure that outside the recommended rate could easily blow out by overheating. Ask the vendor to check this for you if you use service from a car rental.

4. Temperature Gauge - Always keep an eye on the temperature level of your temperature gauge, when the indicator shows red zone immediately stop your car in a safe area. Do not open the radiator’s cap while the engine is hot. Overheated can caused a serious damage on your car.

5. Synthetic oil - gives you extra protection on high temperature for your engine

6. Lights - Always check your headlight’s low / high beam, turn right-left signal, brake lights, side marker lights and also emergency flashers.

7. Windshield wipers - wiper’s blade made of rubber which gets susceptible by summer heat. Investing a new (if necessary) set would always make sure your windshield wipers in a prime condition.

These tips might useful whether you use your own car or even use a car rental service. Have a great summer vacation.