Any busy parent likely spends a lot of time in their car – from school drop off and pick up to shuttling the kids to their activities and a million other chores. But even if you are packing on the miles in your car, it can be really easy to overlook routine car maintenance. So knowing just a few easy tips and reminders can make sure car troubles never slow you and your family down. Here are five tips to start you and your car onto long journeys together.
1. Turn Down the Tunes- This one is easy because all you need to do is turn down the volume and take a listen to your car. Do you hear a squealing when you hit the breaks or when you apply the gas? Do you hear or feel a vibration? What about when you turn the steering wheel? Any sound is a clear sign that something needs to be fixed or adjusted.
2. Let the President Check Your Tires- Take a penny and place it in the grooves of your tire. If part of Lincoln’s head is always covered, your tires are in good shape. If you see the top of Honest Abe’s head, you need to get your tires replaced ASAP! Bald tires are no joke. This quick test can also tell you a lot about your car’s alignment and give you clues to bigger issues. Try this on all four tires and in different spots of the tread.
3. Wait a Minute Mr. Postman- No matter how long you’ve had your car, it can have a recall. Don’t ignore these recall letters and be sure to care of these problems now so you don’t have bigger problems later.
