A holiday road trip is likely in the cards for many people this season. Whether you’re driving across Texas or across the country, road trips require a lot of planning and packing because once you leave, there’s no turning back! Of course our first thought is to take care of the essentials - plenty of snacks, a favorite book, headphones and suitcases stacked like a game of tetris. It seems like you’ve exhausted your list to make sure the car is packed, but did you think about the health of your vehicle? If you’re going to take your car on a journey, it better be ready to endure anything thrown your way, such as a random storm, or construction debris on the road. Here are a couple of checkpoints to make sure your car will provide safe travels for you and your loved ones.
Check Your Tires
Tires are usually something we rarely think about when running everyday errands around town. But if you are planning on taking them on a long distance road trip, you should make sure the tire pressure is correct and the tread of the tire isn't worn down. There will be a lot of stress on the tires, so be sure to have a fully functioning spare just in case of a blow out. Check your tires at every gas station stop to make sure they are still in tact.
Check Your Oil
It is never a bad idea to go ahead and get your oil change when taking a long trip. The owner’s manual suggests a certain number of miles one should drive before changing the oil again. If you expect to exceed that mileage while on your trip, it is a good idea to change a bit early to avoid future complications. If you exceed the number of miles, you may end up causing a lot of damage to your engine which will make the drive home very difficult and unsafe.
Vehicle recalls are not always common but can be life threatening if not properly handled. Especially if your car is new, there may be some incidents that recently surfaced and may lead you to choose another car or find a safe, reliable rental until your personal vehicle is fixed. Vehicle defects can lead to car accidents and sometimes major injuries.
Plan for the Weather
The holiday season boasts different types of severe weather patterns that lead to unsafe driving conditions. Be sure to check the forecast before leaving to make sure you plan accordingly. If there is a large storm hovering over your main route, look up ways to drive around it. The extra hour may save your life. Make sure your windshield wipers are properly working and the tread on your tires is ready to ensure slick conditions. If you are taking a skiing trip, you may want to invest in snow chains for your tires to help your car make it up the mountains.
No matter if you’re driving 4 hours across Texas or 14 hours to Illinois, your car should be in perfect condition before taking it on a long road trip. These checkpoints should avoid any major accidents and help you reach your destination safely. If you or someone you know was recently in a car accident on a road trip in Texas, contact Colley & Colley law firm for a free consultation.
15511 W Highway 71
Suite 110-142
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 477-2001
512-477-3335
© 2024 by Colley Firm P.C All rights reserved.
