Is Your Vehicle Road Ready?

Spring is finally here, so odds are you're eager to hit the road for fun vacations and road trips, especially once we're able to get back out again. Whether you're heading to the highway for an adventure or for your 8 a.m. commute, you should check a few things before your rubber meets the road.

First, make sure to check your tire pressure at least once a month, or every couple of weeks because when the air gets colder at night, it gets denser and it can change the pressure in your tires. Be sure to check the wear on your tires as well. A general rule of thumb is if your tire tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch, then your tires need to be replaced. To check this, you can put a penny in the tread depth with Lincoln facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time to replace your tires. Any balding increases your risk of getting a flat or skidding when you need to stop.

Along with your tires, check for streaks on your windshield when you use your wipers. The last thing you need is to realize you need new windshield wipers when you're in the middle of a rainstorm. Always check your coolant levels as well before heading out for a long trip. If your coolant levels are low, your engine may overheat, causing severe engine damage.

After you check your coolant levels, be sure to check your oil levels. Low oil levels cause your engine to seize up if it's not addressed as soon as possible. This could lead to extensive repairs or even a complete engine replacement.

Finally, before starting your trip, do a quick walk around your vehicle. If you see a tire slightly lower than the rest or a rear view mirror askew, address those issues before starting your car. Take a peak inside, too, to make sure nothing can roll around in your vehicle. This will lower the risk of anything getting stuck under your pedals, impairing your ability to stop or accelerate.

This checklist should go a long way toward keeping you safe, but if you have any questions or concerns regarding the health of your vehicle as you prepare for spring trips, never hesitate to reach out. Call us anytime at 919-453-0345 for our Wake Forest location or 919-231-6164 for our Raleigh location. You can also visit our website at QualityPlusAutomotive.com.