Travel these days is expensive, and we all want to make the most of our finances to have a great summer vacation. The road trip is an American past-time, and it is also a considerably cheaper way to cover a lot of ground. 
If you take on a road trip, the trip is going to focus a lot around you and your vehicle. Of course, if your vehicle doesn’t behave, then that could put your trip in a bind.
The best way to prevent problems while on your road trip is to prepare beforehand. Preparation can help you get ahead of issues before they have time to damage your vehicle or harm you.
When preparing for a road trip, make sure the car is in good working order.
1. Check your tires. Improperly inflated tires are pesky inconveniences, not to mention safety risks. You could face control issues, and a high risk for accidents should a tire collapse or blow while you drive. Tire treads also wear out over time. Without strong treads, your wheels cannot properly grip the roads. This might make braking or control difficult.
2. Cars periodically require oil changes. As your oil ages, it becomes contaminated with debris from your car’s function. Changing the oil in the car will help improve its engine function and running capacity.
3. Inspect the car’s engine for damage and corrosion. Malfunctioning engines likely need extensive diagnostics and repairs. Catastrophic problems on a road trip could pose a huge risk to drivers.
4. Check the car’s battery life. Batteries typically last three to five years. As the battery nears the end of its life it might cause you to have trouble starting the car. Strain to the battery can also stress other vital systems. Therefore, make sure the battery is in good working order.
5. Make sure the car’s HVAC system works appropriately. You might travel through different weather conditions, and long hours in the car means that your heat and air will likely see a lot of use.
6. Check your windshield and windshield wipers. Well-functioning wipers will help you maintain visibility in different weather conditions. Make sure the windshield doesn’t have any cracks or corrosion.
7. Run a light test on the vehicle. Everyone needs good visibility as they travel in unfamiliar areas. If your lights don’t work appropriately, you could face safety risks.
Proper maintenance can help you avoid problems on your road trip. Should you encounter problems, you can use your car insurance provider as a resource. Your insurance company may offer preferred mechanics, roadside assistance and rental car coverage to help you get back on the road.
RCU Insurance Services can help you get an auto insurance policy that meets your needs. Call us at 707-576-5120 for more information about our car insurance offerings. You can even get a fast, free auto insurance quote.