Pre-trip Maintenance Road Trip! Taking a long trip by car is an adventure. It's
the best way to see America and a wonderful way to learn a little about the
country and its highway culture. You'll experience it all, too, from the
ambiance of a truck stop to the sublime swank of five-star restaurants. The GPS system. Global Positioning System (GPS) car navigation
systems have the capability to show (and also tell) you exactly how to get to
any destination you have in mind. (If you don't already have one, you should
seriously consider getting a GPS for your vehicle before embarking on a road
trip.) They work because they communicate simultaneously with at least three GPS
satellites through a built-in or external antenna to determine the driver's
position. Many models are equally amazing at pinpointing your location, and they
will give you directions that are as good as those provided by any online
mapping service. Review your owner's manual. This is the best source of useful
information about your car, from using overdrive when you tow a trailer to how
to change a tire. Look for the proper tire pressure, how to change a headlight
bulb autel
maxisys, and other things you might need to do unexpectedly while you are
away from home. They may be minor, but they can cause a delay if you don't know
how to handle them. Signs of a potential problem. If you notice any vibrations
or irregular noise, or if the engine knocks when you drive over bumps, have this
checked out by your mechanic. If any of the struts (shock absorbers) leaks oil,
it should be replaced immediately. If the car"wanders"from side to side at
highway speed, that means the steering wheel is off-center. If the car pulls to
one side, the wheel alignment should be checked. There are also some things
under the hood that you should take care of before you start out on your trip:
Check the engine oil and your automatic transmission fluid. If your next oil
change or transmission change is due soon, you should definitely take care of it
before you leave. Check the engine antifreeze (coolant) level in the overflow
tank, which is fairly easy to do. Remember, never open the radiator cap if your
car engine is hot. Any leaks you discover should be fixed immediately because a
lack of coolant while you are traveling may cause engine to overheat, which can
lead to serious damage. If you feel that your battery's cranking speed is slower
than before, it is probably time for you to replace it. (Typically, a battery
lasts from two to five years.) Check the brake fluid, power steering fluid, and
windshield washer reservoir. Change the air filter if you haven't done so
recently. Look for anything irregular, including leaks and loose clamps. Check
the tire pressure, including the spare maxidiag
elite md802, and if you feel any vibration when you are at cruising speed,
have your tires balanced. (Uneven tire wear indicates an alignment problem, and
improper wheel alignment may cause a car to skid when you are traveling at high
speed.) Make sure that the jack is still operable in case you need to change a
tire on the road. CV joints. All front-wheel drive and many four-wheel drive
cars have constant velocity (CV) joints to transfer the torque to the front
wheels, and if a boot is broken, it needs to be replaced before you go on your
trip. If you have wheel locks installed in your vehicle, locate the key and the
wrench to open the wheel nuts, too. Electrical equipment and lights.Check the
horn, the windshield wipers, and all the lights in your car. You should replace
the wipers or get rubber refills if they don't clean the windshield perfectly,
and have some extra light bulbs on hand, as well. Depending on the season and
your location, you should also make sure that the heater and air conditioner are
in good working order.
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