More and more, cross-country driving is becoming a fun summer activity. Families and friends often choose to pile into the car and take a roadway tour of the United States. This can be a very enjoyable and educational experience, but there are also times that it can be dangerous. If you are planning on taking a cross-country trip this summer, there are a variety of precautions that you will want to take.
First of all, it is important that you prepare your vehicle for this long drive. Make sure that the oil has been changed, the brakes are working properly, and that you vehicle does not have any engine trouble. You will want to check all tires for proper air pressure and if the tires have expired then you will want to get them replaced before your journey. You will probably want to get your tires rotated as well.
If your car is not in top shape, then you may end up with a broken down vehicle. Worse, you may be involved in an accident because of a malfunction with your vehicle. Drive-Safely says that you will want to check all fluid levels before driving away. This includes the windshield washer fluid, the brake fluid, the power steering fluid, the coolant, and the engine oil. You should also check all fluid containers for leaks.
After this, it is important that you verify that all seatbelts are working properly. Belts that are frayed, cracked, or degraded should be replaced because they may not do their job in saving a life in the event of an accident. You also need to check your car's battery. Drive-Safely warns that faulty batteries are the cause of many roadside problems on long road trips. Check the battery for any holes, gouges, or cracks and be sure that the cables and terminals of the battery are in good condition and are secured correctly. If your battery is over four years old, it is important that you have it tested. You may even need to replace your battery if it is not in a reliable condition.
As well, you will want to make sure that the brakes on your car are working properly. If you hear any grinding, squealing, or metal on metal when you apply the brakes, then you are going to want to get the brake pads replaced. If you wait too long to do this, you may end up in a terrible accident when the brakes render themselves ineffective.
Because chances are that you will be driving in the summer, you want to be especially aware of the danger of overheating. You should be sure that your cooling system is working properly and make sure to flush the anti-freeze when necessary. An overheated engine can cause serious damage to your car and can even facilitate an accident so try to be careful.
After making sure that your car is in good condition, you can head out on your road trip with confidence. If you are going to be behind the wheel, make sure that you do not drive when fatigued. If you are tired, or are driving late at night and are beginning to doze off, then it is always recommended that you ask a more awake person in the vehicle to drive or stop at a hotel for the night.
As well, make sure that you do not text or talk on the phone while driving, as this can be extremely dangerous. Talk to a local car accident attorney today if you were involved in an accident on a road trip and believe that the other car was at-fault for the collision.