Summer Travel
SUMMER TRAVEL
Here in Upstate New York we are in the middle of peak travel/vacation season. Many of you will be venturing to destinations near and far. The minivans are packed with kids and toys and you’re heading off to camping in the Adirondaks or Grandma’s house in Minnesota. Regardless of if you are traveling 50 or 500 miles, there are some basic precautions we should all take to ensure the best possible trip.
Can you remember the last time you had your regular oil change service? Or has that little sticker in the upper left hand corner faded to the point of nondescript. Anyway , it’s always a good time to have the oil and filter changed before a long trip. At the same time, a service professional will have the opportunity to look at other basics such as fluids and air filters. Fluids should be topped off as needed, with special attention going to any fluid that may be unusually low, such as brake fluid or engine coolant. This will allow for further diagnosis and repair before the trip and may prevent an unneeded breakdown. Whether you perform the service yourself, or have a repair facility or quick-lube place do it, be sure to have all the door hinges and locks lubed. There is nothing worse than locks that jam or sliding doors that don’t slide freely.
Don’t forget the tires. We’ve all seen Central New York rain storms that will send you off the road as quick as a snow storm. Be sure the tires on your vehicle in good overall condition. Proper inflation pressures should be noted on the side of the tire, usually around 32 psi. The sidewall of the tire should be solid and free of cuts and abrasions. Tire tread should be at least a 1/4″ deep and should be even across the entire surface. Any uneven wear would be an indication of a possible steering and/or alignment problem and should be addressed before departing. One last thing about tires- don’t forget the spare. Do you know where it is or how to install it in case of a blowout? Is it a full size spare and properly inflated? The key is knowing what you have to work with before you get in the situation.
Brakes are a major concern for traveling. Although they may feel fine to you, do you really know what condition they are in? If no one has looked at your brakes in the past 6 months, have them checked before leaving for your trip. Even if no major work is needed, have the rear brakes cleaned and adjusted for better, even, braking operation.
Belts and hoses can easliy be checked. With the age of serpentine belts (a single, wide drivebelt that powers all accessories in the front of the engine) having one fail on a trip is a major concern. Unlike older vehicles, ALL functions such as the charging system and power steering will be lost if the belt breaks. Therefore, if the belt shows any signs of cracking or deterioration, have it replaced. Hoses can last a long time but usually you can see a hose that is starting to bulge or seep fluid. Generally these are not expensive items, so if your vehicle is old or has lots of miles on it, replace any questionable belts or hoses sooner rather than later.
Air Conditoning and Cruise Control may not be items you use everyday on your way to work, but on a long trip with the kids they may be the most important function for the driver as well as the passengers. Everyone is more comfortable with the A/C working properly as opposed to having the windows down traveling 65 mph on the NYS Thruway. The time to find out that your cruise control does not work is not when you just pulled out onto the interstate for an 8 hour drive. You can easily check these items yourself. Does your air conditioner cool the inside of your vehicle within a short period of time, or does it feel like it’s working overtime and you’re still sweating? Get out on the highway and set the cruise control. Be sure it maintains proper speed control and is fully functional. Not all vehicles have these luxuries, but for a long trip they are wonderful options to have. In terms of repairs- seek out professionals. Cruise control and air conditioning diagnosis can be time consuming and expensive so be sure it is within your budget before you spend all your vacation money at the shop.
Think safety first. Start off by cleaning the coffee stains from your front windshield and get rid of those double-edged windshield wipers that you’ve had since you were in college. It’s good to see what’s in front of you on the road. Check all your lights so that you can see and be seen by others. How about that emergency road side kit that your mother-in-law bought you before you had a car? Well, pull out of the attic and take it with you., flares, jumper cables and a flashlights can come in handy. Are you a member of AAA or another road side assistance program? Do you carry a cellular phone or can you borrow one for the trip? Be sure that your service provider covers the area travelled and know how to use the system when “roaming.” A credit card or extra cash for emergencies is also a good idea. The fact is, even the newest and most well maintained vehicles can breakdown. Be prepared for the worst, especially when travelling with elderly people or small children.
So you think you’re ready to go on that well deserved vacation to Cape Cod or Cape Vincent. Hopefully I have given you some helpful hints you can all use. Now go and spend some quality time with the kids, build a sand castle or read a book, and stop worrying about the car. Have a great summer vacation.
EJG
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