Taking the bumps out of holiday road
Staff writer
Summer is an ideal time for family vacations, which usually mean lots of driving.
Before hitting the road, drivers should take steps to stay safe and avoid having to wait alongside the highway for a tow truck.
David Leith, owner of Leith Service in Marion, offered several suggestions for things to do before heading on a long trip.
“You need to see when the oil change is due, and if it’s close, you need to change it before you go on the trip,” he said. “If your trip is only 600 miles, and you’ve got 1,200 miles to go, you’re good.”
Leith said to check tire pressure, tire tread depth, and all fluid levels.
People who regularly maintain cars probably don’t need to do more than that, but if they are somewhat neglectful of maintenance, additional things are needed, he said.
“You might want to have a mechanic look at the brakes, all the ball joints, and tie rod ends — those are your main safety concerns,” he said. “The tie rod ends and ball joints are steering components.”
Wiper blades should be checked in case of driving into a storm.
Leith also recommends cleaning windows and taking along a phone charger.
Mechanics at Hillsboro Ford added some other suggestions.
Merlin Funk said to make sure to check the inflation of a car’s spare tire.
Check your lights, air filters (including cabin air filters), and belts.
Have a mechanic check the air conditioner and any noises or vibrations, he said.
Funk also recommends taking along a battery pack in case the vehicle needs to be jump-started. Battery packs can be bought at an auto parts store for $99 to $399, depending on the vehicle it is for.
When a customer comes in for an oil change, service adviser Blake Beye said, the shop performs a 125-point inspection that will encompass many items that should be checked before a long trip.
“We check it all over,” Beye said.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also offers tips for summer driving:
- Check air conditioner performance and cabin air filters before traveling. High temperatures in the car are dangerous for everyone — and especially people in poor health, children, and older adults.
- Don’t leave children unattended in parked vehicles. A child’s body temperature rises faster than an adult’s and temperatures inside a car can reach a deadly level in a short time.
- Remember summer temperatures cause rubber hoses and belts to degrade faster.
- Hot pavement is hard on tires. Under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure. The recommended tire inflation is listed on a sticker inside the car door. Do not use the maximum inflation number listed on the tire.
- Brake lights, turn signals, headlights, emergency flashers, and interior lights should be checked. So should wiper blades, which are vulnerable to high heat.
- Take along an emergency kit including a first-aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlight, tire jack, tire pressure gauge, gloves, and basic repair tools.