Are you planning a trek over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s house for Thanksgiving or maybe a Christmas vacation get-away to the mountains? The last thing you want is to be is stranded somewhere along your trip due to mechanical issues. With the upcoming season of holiday travel in mind, our hometown family service automotive experts at Bill Duckworth Tire want to remind you about the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and automotive checkups. Not only are they there to provide all of your automotive care needs, they’re also sharing some useful tips from the non-profit Car Care Council that will assist in keeping your car road trip ready. The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. They publish an excellent vehicle resource called the Car Care Guide, which is available for free via their website carcare.org.
“It’s easy to remember to get your family ready for the holiday festivities, but what about preparing the car that’s going to get you there?” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Having a pre-inspection performed on your car will give you peace of mind as you travel and help make your journey safer.”
Before leaving home, the Car Care Council recommends a check of the following, often overlooked, items: tires and tire pressure, brakes, hoses and belts, air filters, wipers, exterior and interior lighting, and fluid levels, including engine oil, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. “A pre-trip inspection provides the opportunity to have service repairs made at home by your own trusted technician who knows the vehicle, and helps reduce the chance of costly and dangerous trouble on the road,” White explains.
The Car Care Council also recommends that you perform routine maintenance and do-it-yourself automobile checkups regularly so your car is always ready to hit the road – whether your trip is planned or unexpected. White says, “It is important and gives you peace of mind to know that your vehicle is always ready for the task.” They suggest that the following checks be made on a regular basis:
Tire Tread: Tire tread helps your car grip the road. Having low tire tread is especially dangerous when driving in wet, flood-like, snowy or icy conditions. Check your tread easily with a penny by inserting it into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch and your tire should be replaced. If your tires are wearing unevenly, you may have balance or alignment issues that should be addressed.
Tire pressure: Pressure that is too low or too high can affect gas mileage, tread wear and vehicle performance. Check your tires once a month when they are still cold, using the PSI (pounds per square inch) number located on the driver door or in the owner’s manual.
Fluids Check: Check your car’s fluids once a month or take a peek when you fill the gas tank. Top off fluids, such as your oil and coolant, and visit a technician if you suspect a leak.
Belts: A broken engine belt can literally stop you in your tracks. Look for signs of excessive wear or looseness in your vehicle’s belts and replace them if needed.
Brakes: Your vehicle’s brakes are very important for safety; make sure they are ready in any condition. Have your brakes inspected by a technician once a year, and be aware of any signs of brake trouble, including noise, pulling and vibration while braking.
Battery: It is always stressful when your car does not start. Extreme temperatures, such as summer and winter, can wear the battery. A technician can test that the battery is charging at the correct rate. If your battery is three years or older, it may need to be replaced.
Emergency Kit: An emergency kit kept in your vehicle can literally be a life-saver. A vehicle emergency kit should include jumper cables, a tire-changing jack, a tire pressure gauge, a road atlas, first-aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, water, non-perishable food and blankets. Drivers should also keep important telephone numbers in their cell phone or glove box in case of a breakdown or travel emergency. Keep a copy of the Car Care Council’s new Car Care Guide in your glove box for information on vehicle systems and maintenance. You can order a free copy online at carcare.org/car-care-guide.
For your all tire and vehicle service and maintenance needs, visit any of the three Bill
Bill Duckworth Tire - Best Auto Repair
Duckworth Tire locations: the newly renovated and expanded showroom facility at 4975 Altama Ave. or the store at 2311 Norwich St. in Brunswick, or their shop at 1333 Oglethorpe Way in Hinesville. With a focus on customer service and 50 years of experience, Bill Duckworth Tire has the reputation for providing hometown family service you can trust. Their website at billduckworthtire.com also has helpful tips, coupons, and other useful information to assist you in keeping your vehicle performing its best in any conditions.
