Home > Finance > Auto > Is Your Car Road Trip Ready?

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or moving your family to a base across the country, few things can turn a trip into a nightmare quicker than breaking down in the middle of nowhere. CarMD offers these tips to help make sure your car, truck, minivan or SUV is healthy for your next trip.  

The best way to keep your vehicle in good condition is to follow a regularly scheduled maintenance program, as recommended in your service manual.  Technicians also suggest that drivers conduct a pre-trip vehicle inspection before each getaway.  It’s best to perform this check several days before your trip in case of unforeseen delays at the shop.  Check the following for peace of mind and help avoid costly repairs down the road:

·         Radiator and cooling/heating system

·         Brakes and brake pads

·         Battery and cables (pay attention to slow starts or rough idling)

·         Belts and hoses

·         Oil, washer, coolant and transmission fluids

·         Tire pressure and condition, looking for uneven wear or tread depth.  (Don’t forget the spare)

·         Don’t leave on a long trip with your car’s “Check Engine” light on.   

Fully 10 percent of all cars on the road have a check engine problem right now.  This dashboard warning can mean something as simple as a loose gas cap, or much more severe such as a catalytic converter failure.  At a minimum, driving with this light on will result in reduced gas mileage (costing you money at the pump) and increased pollution.  It can also quickly turn into a roadside breakdown that can be expensive and dangerous.  It is best to solve “Check Engine” problems – even intermittent ones – before taking a trip. 

On-board diagnostic (OBD2) products such as the handheld CarMD device can help average drivers check for hidden problems and solve “Check Engine” mysteries. CarMD plugs into a port under your vehicle’s dashboard to tell you in seconds if there are any hidden problems that need attention.  The product also comes with software to help you run diagnostic reports to get the most likely fix, parts and labor costs.  If you can’t get to a computer, CarMD’s ASE technicians are available toll-free at 888.MyCarMD to help you troubleshoot by phone.  Priced under $100, CarMD has been said to pay for itself in one use.  And now, the company is offering military.com subscribers a $10 discount at www.CarMD.com/roadtrip.