Prior to Winter Trip, Check out the Vehicle to Make Sure it’s Road Worthy
Planning a trip this holiday? The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has some recommendations to make sure you get there safely. Obviously, the first rule is to wear a seat belt, but also never text behind the wheel or drive drunk. In addition, the NHTSA has the following recommendations:
- Make sure your car is road worthy by getting a tune-up and maintenance.
- Make sure the tires have enough tread and are wearing evenly.
- Check the vehicle for broken hoses and leaks, and conduct repairs when needed.
- Figure out whether your battery is up for starting in the cold weather because it takes more battery power when it’s cold. A mechanic can check the voltage.
- Make sure you have enough coolant and the right type. You do not want coolant that freezes because the expansion that results could ruin your engine.
- Flush systems if they have not been done for several years.
- The windshield washer reservoir should be filled as a single snowstorm can use a lot of fluid. Use no-freeze fluid.
- Additionally, windshield wipers should be replaced if they are worn. Add heavy-duty varieties in places that get a lot of snow. Check to see if the defrosters are working.
- Snow tires will be necessary in the snow, so check out www.safercar.gov for the best ratings before you buy. Even if a tire hasn’t been used much, the rubber will degrade with time, so tires older than six years in Florida need to be replaced. Make sure they are filled with air to the correct specifications.
The auto accident attorneys in Jacksonville of Farah & Farah would like to wish you a happy holiday season and a safe trip. If you are in need of assistance after a car accident, feel free to call (800) 603-3640 for a free consultation.
Source: http://www.nhtsa.gov/CA/12-21-2011;http://www.safercar.gov/staticfiles/safercar/pdf/wintertips.pdf
