How to Make Sure You’re Safe While Traveling This Summer

After a year of being in lockdown, many of us have the travel bug. In a study of 10,000 Americans, 60 percent of respondents plan to travel more this year than they did before the pandemic hit, but only 21 percent said they feel safe getting on an airplane. Based on those stats, 2021 should be the year of the road trip!

We know you’re excited for your upcoming trip, but you’ll need to put summer car safety in Lubbock, TX first. Continue reading to learn how to prep your vehicle to ensure a safe road trip:

• Check tires and tire pressure: Your first move should be to inspect your tire tread and to replace your tires if it’s low. Additionally, be sure to check your tire pressure throughout your journey. Driving on underinflated or overinflated tires is dangerous.
• Listen to the brakes: Brakes give drivers a number of indicators as to when it’s time to see a mechanic. If your brakes squeal while you’re slowing down or feel “squishy,” have them replaced right away.
• Test the battery: The colder months can do a number on a battery, especially if it’s old. A battery-testing kit will tell you whether yours is in good condition and ready to handle a road trip. If it’s not, bring your vehicle to a mechanic for a replacement.
• Get an oil change: Another one of our summer traveling tips in Lubbock, TX is to replace your oil before heading out. Fresh motor oil will help ensure you make it to your destination without any roadside breakdowns.
• Check belts and hoses: Although they’re manufactured to last for thousands of miles, the rubber belts and hoses under the hood become worn and frayed over time. Have a mechanic inspect all of them to ensure they’re up to snuff.
• Check the AC: A broken air conditioner won’t necessarily affect your summer car safety in Lubbock, TX. But a working AC is the difference between a comfortable and miserable road trip! If your AC isn’t as cool as usual, bring your vehicle to a pro to diagnose the issue and replace the filters.
• Replace wiper blades: Your wiper blades are a small but essential component of your vehicle. Old or cracked rubber blades don’t clear rain off as they should, leading to a dangerous and tedious trip. New wipers are fairly inexpensive, so there’s no reason to delay your purchase.
• Replenish emergency supplies: A flashlight, road flares, first aid supplies, bottled water and non-perishable snacks are just a few of the items that should be in your vehicle’s emergency kit. If anything is missing or low, be sure to restock before you head out.

See our team before you hit the road

You can tackle some of the items mentioned above on your own. But to ensure your safety, let our team at M & M Tire & Service Center perform a full inspection and tune-up. Contact us today to set up an appointment or to get some more summer traveling tips in Lubbock, TX.

Categorised in: Vehicle Maintenance

This post was written by Writer