If you’re going on a road trip during the holidays, you probably have a checklist of things to do like pack, lock up your valuables, prepare a travel itinerary and so on and so forth. Of course, you need to make sure that the vehicle you will use is in perfect condition to avoid roadside breakdowns and unnecessary travel delays and costly repairs.
A car that’s in tiptop shape will ensure that you and your passengers will have the best road travel experience as you visit your relatives who live out of town or go to your favorite destinations. Take this opportunity to do that much needed routine maintenance with Prestone.
To help you prepare for a safer and more convenient journey, PRESTONE, trusted brand of Coolant, Brake Fluid, and Engine Oil, is also here to remind you to look closely at your BLOCBAGETS. This handy mnemonic stands for Brakes, Lights, Oil, Coolant, Battery, Air, Gas, Engine, Tire, and Self. Simply put, it’s all the things you need to check before using your car for a long drive to prevent accidents or breakdowns.
Brake. To check if your brake system is not faulty, you should push the brake pedal all the way to the floor. It should not feel spongy and have little to no resistance. Make sure your BRAKE FLUID and other parts are still in good condition. Otherwise, you need to let a mechanic check if you are due for parts replacement, cleaning, or flush & fill of brake fluid.
Lights. Inspect your auto lights, such as the headlights, turn signal signals, brake lights, reverse lights, and tail lights, to ensure safety for nighttime driving. To confirm if they are working properly, test all the lights and check if the light beam reflects on the wall. It also pays to check your lights for dirt, cracks, and breakage. If there will be any, have you’re them cleaned or fixed.
Oil. Cars need oil to lubricate its small engine components. Checking your engine’s oil level and color is important to keep the engine working and to prevent dealing with expensive repairs. When oil is below the minimum level, it’s time to refill. Look for leaks, as well, since they signify that your car is losing oil quickly.
Coolant. Coolant is the fluid that absorbs heat from the engine and then dissipates it through the radiator. If you want to prevent the overheating nightmare, then a simple check if your car has the right level of Coolant can save the day.
Battery. Before you get in your car, make sure that your battery is well-charged and has clean terminals. Also, check if the cable-to-terminal connection is placed. By doing so, you can be sure to prevent being stuck on the roadside because your battery dies in the middle of your driving.
Air. Your car’s tires should always be properly inflated to prevent accidents and decreased fuel efficiency. Use a tire pressure gauge to check if the tire, regardless if it is old or new, have the right inflation.
Gas. Do not forget to check your fuel level through the fuel gauge before taking your car for a drive. Ensuring a full gas tank, especially during long drives, can save you from the stress of looking for a gas station or being stuck in the middle of the road.
Engine. Check for engine problems, such as leaks and other sounds like pinging, tapping, knocking, or any weird noise, which may hint at any issues. If any of these are present, then better have a mechanic check it.
Tire. Worn-out tires can lead to accidents. Before a long trip, check your tires for bumps, tears, and other signs of damage.
Self. Lastly, you should also be well-prepared for a long drive. Make sure that you are physically and emotionally fit to drive—free from sickness, dizziness, alcohol, and tiredness (sleep well before the long drive).
For your Christmas road trip, make sure that everything runs smoothly and the experience hassle-free for you and everyone by choosing only Prestone Motor Oil, Brake Fluid, and Coolant.
