The Mama’s Guide to Road Tripping Safety

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You might be heading out for a long road trip with your family, or maybe you have a quick work trip that you need to prepare for. In addition to packing your bags and getting your itinerary ready, there are some steps that you should take in order to make sure that your car is travel-worthy. The last thing you want to happen is to end up stranded on the side of the road, not having any idea where you are. The following are some tips that will help you ensure your car is travel-worthy and safe for your family.

Regular Maintenance

A vehicle is a big investment. In order to protect it, a vehicle will require routine maintenance to keep it going. This maintenance can sometimes be done on your own. Other times, you’ll want to take your vehicle into a service center to have the work professionally done for you. Oil changes, tire rotations, checking tire pressure and a multipoint inspection are just some of the things you’ll want to have done before you head out on the road.

Keep an Eye Out for Recalls

Recalls can put your vehicle at risk for getting in an accident if you don’t have the problem taken care of. Recall notices are typically issued via paper notifications from the manufacturer or the National Highway Transportation Safety Association to the owner of the vehicle on record. If you don’t receive this information, you should receive some sort of notification from your vehicle manufacturer. An authorized dealer might also issue a letter regarding a recall for your specific make and model of vehicle. Make sure you get an appointment set up for your vehicle as soon as you receive the recall information in the mail.

Repairs and Quality of Repairs

It’s important that you have vehicle repairs taken care of when you think something is going wrong with your vehicle. Don’t put anything off for too long. This can end up creating a more expensive and involved repair. Make sure that you are having the repairs completed at a reputable dealership that uses OEM parts in all their work. These parts will come straight from the manufacturer and an authorized dealer, so you can trust the work that is being done.

If you head out for a lengthy road trip and neglect to have your vehicle inspected or serviced regularly, you are increasing the risk of being stalled on the side of the road. This can be a safety issue if you are in the middle of nowhere with no help. A little maintenance goes a long way when it comes to protecting the integrity of your vehicle that you’ve invested in.

If you’re road tripping while on a tight budget, take a look at these tips!