{"id":1517,"date":"2020-03-04T18:12:50","date_gmt":"2020-03-05T00:12:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carwise.com\/blog\/?p=1517"},"modified":"2020-03-04T18:12:50","modified_gmt":"2020-03-05T00:12:50","slug":"how-can-i-prepare-my-car-for-a-spring-break-road-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carwise.com\/blog\/2020\/03\/04\/how-can-i-prepare-my-car-for-a-spring-break-road-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can I Prepare My Car for a Spring Break Road Trip?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every year from mid-March to mid-April millions of Americans take Spring Break road trips. Whether it\u2019s a carload of college students en route to Panama City, or a family \u201ctruckster\u201d loaded for Disneyworld, it\u2019s always a busy time on our nation\u2019s roads. But if you\u2019re one of the drivers who\u2019s participating in this annual rite-of-passage, the last thing you need is a broken-down vehicle stranded on the shoulder due to mechanical trouble. To help ensure that your Spring Break vacation is a more relaxing one, use these car-prepping tips from the pros.   
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Car\/RV Fluids Check Before Long Family Trips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll probably have a cooler full of thirst-quenching beverages on board, so don\u2019t forget to refresh your vehicle\u2019s fluid levels too. Use this handy fluid checklist to keep your car hydrated: 
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Add Coolant To Your Car<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On longer trips, your engine\u2019s radiator fluid gets put to the test. Check your coolant level before leaving, and the radiator hoses for signs of leaks. It\u2019s also recommended to have the cooling system flushed and filled every 50,000 miles.
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Car Oil<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Oil is your engine\u2019s lifeblood, so make sure that your oil and filter get replaced every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If your vehicle leaks a little oil, check its level with the dipstick and top it off before hitting the road. And, don\u2019t forget to put an extra quart in your car. 
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Refill Your Cars Washer fluid<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll no doubt be encountering all kinds of weather during your journey, so make sure to top off your windshield washer fluid reservoir. If your wiper blades are leaving streaks on the glass, it\u2019s time to buy a new set.  
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Other Car fluids<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also a good idea to inspect the fluid levels for your brakes, power steering and transmission. 
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Car Tire Checks Before Spring Break<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your car\u2019s tires are important for safety, comfort and fuel efficiency, so don\u2019t neglect yours. Here are some tire-care tips from the experts:
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Vehicles Treadwear<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most tires last 30,000 to 50,000 miles if properly maintained, so have a tire specialist inspect your \u201crubber\u201d for signs of uneven wear, bulging or punctures. The \u201cpenny test\u201d is a good way to check the tread depth yourself. Tires lacking adequate tread to properly grip the pavement can cause handling and hydroplaning issues. 
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Air Pressure Of Your Car Tires<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Over or underinflated tires promote uneven tread wear and steering problems, so check your air pressure every time you fill up your gas tank. If you\u2019re traveling from a cold area to a hot one, for every 10 degrees of temperature variation your tires\u2019 pressure will fluctuate up or down by 1 PSI. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tire Rotations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For optimal tread life, your tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. If you are long overdue, get a tire rotation before hitting the road.
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General Car Maintenance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your vehicle has numerous parts and systems that all must work together so you can reach your Spring Break destination without incident. To keep your ride in good working order, have a reliable mechanic check out these components well ahead of your departure date: 
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