Venture Into The Great Beyond With Confidence This Summer

Minor vehicle annoyances in spring can turn your celebrations into expensive and inconvenient repairs.

“Now is the perfect time to make sure you are prepared for all the upcoming summer travel,” said Brad White, executive director for the Missouri Department of Transportation. “A complete evaluation of your car along with routine maintenance will provide a smooth and safe ride.

“Begin your summer trips with some peace of mind knowing your vehicle is ready for the road ahead.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a pre-trip vehicle inspection helps families avoid roadside breakdowns during peak travel months. Include the following items on your vehicle inspection list:

Brake performance

Summer heat exacerbates braking problems.

Do you feel a vibration in the steering wheel when stopping your vehicle? Does your brake pedal feel squishy or drop to the floor when pressed? Do you hear any squeals or scraping when braking?

Lots of factors can contribute to braking problems:

• Towing a trailer or recreational vehicle
• Packing a lot of cargo weight in the cabin and on the roof
• Frequent stop and go driving such as metropolitan rush hour

Ask your service advisor to inspect brake pads, brake fluid, rotors and brake lines for wear and tear.

Tire safety

Your journey through the desert, over mountain passes and along coastal routes takes a toll on tire treads. Hot road surfaces also shortens tire life–especially when towing and driving with heavily packed vehicles.

Ask your service advisor to check out the following:

• Tire tread depth. Make sure your tires have plenty of tread to make it to your destination and back.
• Sidewall damage. Did your tires encounter a pothole or curb in winter or spring? Look for scuffs, cuts, scrapes and bulges. Replace tires immediately that show obvious signs of damage.
• Screws and nails. A slow leak may not be apparent in daily errands. Long distance travel especially on remote roads may spell disaster–a flat and severely damaged tire that cannot be repaired.
• Tire inflation. Too little or too much tire pressure causes increased wear or potential blowouts. Always check tire pressure before leaving town.

If your vehicle needs tires, consider all-weather or all-season treads. They can handle a variety of road conditions. They also provide excellent longevity and a smooth ride for extended road trips.

A note about all-wheel drive vehicles:

If one tire is replaced, then most times all four tires must be replaced as well. Otherwise, you risk damaging the vehicle’s all-wheel drive system. Check your owner’s manual for details.

Alignment drift

Hitting a pothole or curb can throw off your vehicle’s wheel alignment. That accelerates tire wear, damages steering components and decreases fuel efficiency.

Ask your advisor to check wheel alignment before going on an extended road trip. It also is recommended anytime you install new tires.

Some of the signs your vehicle may need an alignment:

• The vehicle drifts to one side or the other.
• The steering wheel feels a bit off-center when you’re driving straight.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Steering vibrations.

Cooling concerns

Notice any green, orange or pink spots or puddles when you park your car?

Leaky hoses and connections can lead to major problems with your vehicle heating and cooling system.

Also, test your vehicle’s air conditioning system on short drives away from home. Is it cooling quickly? Does the air flow properly? Are there any unusual odors?

Summer heat increases deterioration on rubber components. Check for cracks and frays in vulnerable parts such as hoses and belts.

Battery strength

High tech vehicles and their passengers place a heavy load on modern batteries.

Get a battery load test to confirm whether your vehicle can handle long-distance driving and all the demands of your family’s electronic gadgets.

Slow engine starts, sluggish power windows or dim headlights may indicate a weakening car battery. Also, a white or bluish corrosion buildup around the terminals is a sign of leaking battery acid or poor electrical contact.

Also, ask your advisor to inspect the charging system, secure battery connections and test the starter for early signs of strain.

Replace a weak battery before going on long drives to avoid getting stranded.

Other reminders for safe summer travels:

• Check your spare tire for proper inflation, tread condition and sidewall health.
• Confirm your vehicle is outfitted with proper tools for changing a tire.
• Test seat belts and connectors for damage. Make sure they are operating properly to keep your passengers safe during emergencies or sudden stops.
• Replace windshield wiper blades for those unexpected summer showers. Mountain areas and northern destinations get sudden, frequent rain and perhaps hail.
• Check all exterior lighting–brakes, headlights and turn signals. Replace dim or burned out bulbs.
• Inspect headlight housings. Replace yellowed or cracked housings to improve visibility on dark rural roads and mountain passes.
• Stow an emergency toolkit in your trunk for unexpected situations.