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Important Steps Before Your Road Trip

Chris Medine • Feb 28, 2014

With the Mardi Gras holiday coming up and children out of school, many area families will be taking to the highway for road trips. Getting away for a vacation is a welcome and much needed break for most, but before taking off for a weekend or week of fun, it’s important to make sure your car is roadworthy. Too often, people neglect to prepare their vehicle for a long trip, and what was supposed to be a relaxing getaway, quickly becomes stressful.


While packing your bags and making reservations, remember that there are a few other important to-dos that should go on your list. Here is a checklist of some things you will want to inspect on your vehicle before you depart:


  • Tires – Tire pressure is an important aspect of road safety. When not properly inflated, you run the risk of blowouts while traveling at high speeds. If you do find that you have low tire pressure, you will be able to put air in them and have any holes patched before you leave. Additionally, check that your tread is not too worn by placing a penny in the grooves with Lincoln’s head pointing down. If you can see the space above his head, you will know it’s time to replace your tires.
  • Oil – If you are nearly due for an oil change, it is best to have it done before you leave for a lengthy road trip. Keep in mind the mileage on your vehicle, the last time you had it changed, and how far you will be traveling.
  • Air Filter – While having your oil changed, also have the air filter inspected. A clogged one can negatively impact fuel economy. Keep in mind that they are inexpensive and easy to replace. If yours has been around for 10,000 miles or more, it’s time for a new one.
  • Major Repairs – If you have been putting off any major repairs, they should be completed before hitting the road. Under no circumstance should you leave on a road trip in a vehicle in need of major maintenance. Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to have the repair completed in case any other, unexpected needs or expenses should also arise.
  • Important Documents – Before leaving home, check that your registration and insurance are in your vehicle. While you should never drive without these documents, not having them when you are hundreds of miles from home can be especially troublesome. Also ensure that your owner’s manual is readily available, should you run into any problems with your vehicle along the way.



We hope that you will enjoy a safe and relaxing get away this Mardi Gras, but you should remember that proper vehicle maintenance is an important part of that as well. Taking care of these few points before hitting the road can mean the difference between an enjoyable road trip and a stressful one. 


At Medines Collision Center, we’ve dedicated our work to quality auto body repair. If you are in need of collision repair and are looking for a friendly and knowledgeable company, look no further. 


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