You should make sure your car is in the ideal shape for a road trip so that you can have an enjoyable trip without any car problems! Keeping your car maintained will prevent you or your family from being stuck in your car on the side of the road on a busy highway. Orlando is one of those places where you do not want to be stuck on the side of the road. There are high volumes of traffic which increase putting you or your family in danger and could take road assistance hours to reach you. This is why it is very pressing to prepare your vehicle before a trip down to Orlando. And If you are unsure if your car is road trip ready stop by a Jiffy Lube® shop where they can examine your vehicle for you. Jiffy Lube® offers a variety of car services and maintenance. Take a look at this car maintenance checklist before you hop in the car or truck for a trip down to Orlando.
Checklist:
1. Check Tires – Check to see if you need to upgrade your tires by inserting a penny between the treads with Lincoln’s head toward the tire. If you can see all of the head, the tire is too worn. You should also check your tires air pressure level and make sure that there are no nails and cracks in your tires. Bring a well inflated spare tire as well in case you get a flat tire. Also if you have not gotten your tires rotated in a while, you should get them rotated to help thwart uneven tire wear. Tires should be rotated every 6 months or every 6,000 miles. These tire tips will save you from blowing out a tire, being put in a bad situation on the highway, and having to wait around for roadside assistance.
2. Check Oil – Make sure your motor oil level is full because engines are made up of many moving segments, and those parts need to be properly lubricated to avoid problems. A full oil level will keep you from messing up your vehicle or being stuck on the side of the highway. It is also suggested that motor oil should be replaced every 5,000-10,000 miles.
3. Check Brakes – Brakes wear just like tires. Assess your brakes by evaluating the pad thickness and compare them to the minimum specified by your car manufacturer. Having unworn brakes is very important for your overall safety on the road. Depending on some factors brake pads should be changed every 50,000 miles.
4. Check Exterior Lights – Make sure your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights are working effectively. This will keep you secure on the road and prevent people not being able to see your car.
5. Check Fluids – Check to see if you need more windshield wiper fluid. In essence, this will make your drive more pleasant and enhance your visibility on the road. Also check your radiator fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. Evaluating these as well will ensure your protection and the lifetime of your car.
6. Check Air Filter – Make sure your air filter is clean and if not replace it. A blocked air filter will change the air quality in the vehicle, hurt your engine, and consume gas because of too much gas being burned for the amount of air. Replacing your dirty air filter increases gas mileage by as much as 10 percent, saving about 15 cents per gallon.
7. Check Gas Cap – 17 percent of the cars and trucks on the roads have gas caps that are either compromised, lose or are gone altogether, causing gas to evaporate into the air. Save money on your gas and support the environment by making sure your gas cap on or is in good condition.
People Are Driving Instead Of Flying
Driving is usually lower than flying, especially for families. Flying you have to pay for each person’s plane ticket and possibly baggage fees. When you are driving, you just pay for gas. Driving also allows you to make stops in between your journey to stretch, get food, etc. As well as having a car to drive around once you hit your destination. Depending on your preference driving can be cheaper but also takes longer to reach your destination. If you are out-of-state and are wanting to drive to Orlando review Florida’s traffic laws. Florida highways have prepaid tolls called SunPass and in Orlando, you need to use a SunPass or toll-by-plate. Also if you are driving around Orlando beware of where you park and make sure it is public/visitor parking. Most places in Orlando require you to pay for parking.
Car Maintenance Saves You Money On Gas
Car service will save you a large amount of money on gas. If your tires are under-inflated, they can cost you a mile or two per gallon. Check your tire pressure regularly to make sure they are fully inflated. Again, check to make sure your gas cap is on to avoid gas from vaporizing and replace air filter if it is clogged to also avoid wasting gas. Spark plugs should be changed continuously, a dirty spark plug will waste gas. Other gas-saving strategies are to try not to accelerate your car too often this burns your gas faster. Also avoid excessive idling, which is leaving your car in park with the ignition on for a long period of time. This will waste your gas, and you will be getting zero miles per gallon. Try these gas-saving tips and save cash on your gas.
Jiffy Lube® Car Maintenance Services
Visit a Jiffy Lube® shop before you go on a trip to Orlando. Jiffy Lube® services can boost your driving experience during your trip. Services they offer include Jiffy Lube® oil change, brakes or battery inspection, fluid exchange, tire rotating, wiper blade replacement, Jiffy Lube® tune-up and air filter replacement. If you are unsure whether your car is road trip ready stop by a Jiffy Lube® shop and they will inspect your car for you. Drive safely and save fuel by making sure your car is maintained. A well-maintained car will make your trip go smoothly and take away any car problem worries!