By Mikola249
5 Ways To Stay Safe On The Road
After being cooped up indoors for the past few months, there's nothing quite like hitting the open highway with the windows down and the music up. But before you do, you should perform a few safety checks on your vehicle to ensure it's in top condition. Here are the top 5 safety features to check before hitting the road.
1. Tires
One of the most important safety features of your vehicle is its tires. Tires keep you connected to the road, so they must be in good condition before taking any long trips.
Be sure to check your tire pressure (you can find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle in the owner's manual) and tread depth (you can do this by inserting a penny into the tread grooves - if you can see Lincoln's head, it's time for new tires). If you're unsure how to properly check your tires, stop by your local auto shop, and they'll be happy to help.
2. Brakes
Your brakes are another crucial safety feature that should be checked before hitting the road. You can check your brake pads by looking at them through the spaces between the wheels - if they look thin, it's time for new ones. It would help if you also had your brakes checked by a professional at least once a year. Additionally, check your brake fluid level and top it off if necessary - you can find the reservoir under your vehicle's hood.
3. Lights
All lights on your vehicle - headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals - should be in working order before any trips. Not only is this a legal requirement in most states, but it's also crucial for other drivers to be able to see you when it's dark or foggy outside.
To check your lights, have someone stand behind your vehicle while you turn each light on one at a time - if they can't see any light coming through, it's time for new bulbs.
4. Mirrors
Another important safety feature to check before driving is your mirrors - both side mirrors and rearview mirror. Make sure they are positioned correctly so that you have a clear view of all traffic around you; otherwise, you won't be able to react in time if someone cuts you off or merges into your lane without signaling.
5. Engine Oil
Before heading out on any long drives this spring, be sure that your engine oil is at the proper level and isn't overdue for a change. You can check this by locating the dipstick under your hood - pull it out and wipe it off with a clean rag. Reinsert it and pull it out again - if the oil isn't up to the "full" line or if it looks muddy or dark, it needs to be changed as soon as possible (you can usually get this done for free at most auto shops).
Performing these simple maintenance checks on your vehicle before hitting the road this spring will help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone involved. Safe travels!
If you need auto repair you can trust, contact Happy Wallet Quality Auto Repair in Naples, FL, today! Schedule a service appointment via our website. You can also Text "SPECIALS" to (239) 330-2746 and receive $10 off your next service visit. You can use that extra money for your Valentine's Day gifts! We are open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, and you can find us at 3661 Mercantile Ave. #A, Naples, FL 3410