May
28
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Ah, it’s springtime! And you know what that means. Road trips. Of course, the last place you’d like to spend the warm weather is stuck at the side of the road. So before you head out traveling — on a long vacation or a weekend excursion — make sure your vehicle is in good working order. These simple steps will get you on your way.
First Stop: Pay Your Mechanic a Visit
If you are planning a significant trip, it’s a good idea to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for a pre-trip inspection well in advance of your departure date. Some service facilities have pre-trip inspection packages. If so, be sure to ask what is included. Typically, this should encompass checking the vehicle’s fluids, belts, hoses, brakes, lights, wipers and tires. Additionally, if your vehicle is soon due for an oil change, it would be a good idea to have this performed before you start your journey.
If you are suspicious or aware of any problems, be sure to specifically explain these to the mechanic. Remember that compared to you, the mechanic is only exposed to your vehicle for a short time. So, much like you would proactively communicate your personal health concerns to your doctor, informing your mechanic of any vehicle trouble is vital to identifying the problem and obtaining the appropriate help. You’re only hurting yourself if you don’t.
But what tasks might you want to handle yourself?
Before the day of departure, remember to:
- check/top-up windshield washer fluid;
- visually inspect wiper blades and replace if necessary;
- get a friend to help you test all of your lights, including each stage of your headlights, the fog lights, all signal lights (including any that may be located on the side or side mirrors) and brake lights (including the auxiliary light located in the rear window or trunk lid);
- check tire pressure in all four tires and the spare and adjust to meet the suggested optimal pressure (usually listed on a label inside the driver’s door); and
- ensure you have a jack, lug wrench and any other equipment needed to change a tire.
When leaving, ensure you have your:
- driver’s license;
- vehicle ownership/registration;
- insurance slips;
- roadside assistance contact information;
- emergency kit;
- spare set of vehicle keys;
- owner’s manual; and
- HerCar.ca Accident Information Worksheet .
Also, perform a final walk-around of the vehicle, making sure that there are no visible issues and that nothing is hanging from or caught underneath the vehicle.
Now You’re Off!
With good preparation, you are on your way to a “worry-free” trip. Of course, for a truly great adventure you’ll need friendly company, happy driving music and a beautiful route.
Wondering where to go? For travel ideas within Canada, check out the following Web sites by region:
Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Or for something totally unique, make the unforgettable journey to the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon.
Where are you going this spring and summer?