One of the great things about living in California is that our ability to take a road trip is not necessarily cut short by weather. Even in what others experience as the “dead of winter,” we are able to take to the roads and enjoy everything this lovely state has to offer.
Before you take off, take a few steps to ensure your car is as safe as possible. This will not only help prevent break downs but can help reduce the chances of being in a car accident. Read on to get ideas on how to get your car ready. Then reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you have been injured in an accident and need a legal opinion.
Check your warning lights
First and foremost, make sure you do not have any warning or service lights illuminated in your vehicle. This includes service indicators and warning lights on your dash, which can indicate that you have issues with your electrical system or your charging system. You can check your charging system directly too by looking at your battery terminals and cables to ensure they are secure and that no corrosion buildup has taken place. Bring a pair of jumper cables on your trip just in case.
Check your cooling system and have your oil changed
Look at your car’s maintenance guide to see how often you are supposed to have your radiator flushed. If it has not been flushed within that timeframe, have it done. Then ensure that your coolant is at a good level. Locate your radiator hoses and squeeze them lightly. If you see leaks, liquid, or steam then you have an issue. This is also a good time to have your oil changed.
Check your visibility signals
By this we mean all of the signals that help other vehicles see you and anticipate your vehicle’s next move. For example, check your headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights. Then consider all the ways in which you are able to see others and ensure they are taken care of. This includes checking your windshield wiper blades to ensure they are not worn out, and checking your washer fluid levels. Check out your mirrors to ensure they are intact and do not have dirt or debris built up.
Take a look at your tires
Finally, look at your tires. You can simply visibly inspect them for wear and if you see that they are balding, do not drive on them. An easy way to check your tread is to grab a penny and put it into the tread of your tire with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head then you should have your tires replaced.
If you do get into an accident then you should immediately contact a personal injury attorney. You can easily reach Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for your free legal consultation.
