staying safe while waiting for a tow

Summer is the time of year when a number of people hit the open road. Whether it's a road trip back to visit your hometown or a vacation for your children, you will also probably hit the road at some point during the summer. Make certain your vehicle is ready. Although your bags are packed and you're ready to go, your vehicle also needs to be ready for the ride. Taking the time to ensure your vehicle is ready for the road can help keep you from finding yourself stranded.

Check Your Battery

People typically equate battery problems with extreme cold; however, excessive heat can be just as bad for your battery. Factor in the heat generated under your hood on a long drive and the extreme temperatures and this could be a recipe for disaster.

The best way to avoid this is to have your battery tested beforehand. Take your vehicle in to have the fluid level of the battery inspected. If the battery fluid level is low, you can have your battery recharged so that you don't have to worry about it failing in intense heat.

Inspect Your Tires

Look over your tire's tread and the sidewalls. Excessive tread wear is a sign that you need to replace your tires before your trip. Low tire tread makes stopping and steering your vehicle more difficult. In terms of the sidewall, deep cracks and grooves are basically a blowout waiting to happen. 

If your tire blows while you're driving at a high-speed, this can do significant damage to the wheel. In this case, changing the tire isn't enough. You will also need to have your vehicle towed to a repair shop to have the wheel fixed.

Look Over the Engine

Whether it's the radio, air conditioner or simply driving, all of the factors contribute to the amount of heat that is generated from your engine. If your engine gets too hot, this can lead to failure and costly repairs. You can avoid this by looking over your engine.

When inspecting your engine, look at the coolant to make sure it's at the recommended level. Coolant helps regulate the temperature of your engine and prevents overheating. Don't drive your vehicle without the right amount of coolant.

The purpose of your trip is to make it safely and on time to your destination. Don't let your failure to look over your vehicle ruin your trip. To learn more, visit Express Tow & Recovery.