Florida Driver Education
Driving Safe on Florida Roads
For many Americans summer road trips are an annual event. Driving hundreds of miles or more can be a breeze if your car is tuned up and ready to roll. But if you don't do the proper maintenance and preparation you may get a late start or not get going at all. Here is our quick guide to preparing for your summer driving adventure.
Take you car into your mechanic of choice and have them do an overall inspection. Start with your cooling system. Your radiator and other cooling system components should be flushed and refilled with new coolant and water. All the hoses and belts should be inspected. It's better to replace a worn belt, hose or clamp before they fail and you find yourself on the side of the freeway overheating. Also get your AC checked. What's the point of your car staying cool if you are sweating?
Get your tires inspected for excessive wear. The radial tires on most cars have specific mileage ratings. As you approach the expected life of your tires and even exceed it you are putting yourself at risk for a tire to just come apart. If your tires are within their expected mileage have them rotated before you hit the road.
Change your Oil. Most manufacturers recommend you get your oil changed every three thousand miles. Getting your oil changed is very easy with the variety of quick change oil changers. The same oil changers will also check your other fluids like your radiator, rear end, brake and steering fluid. They will also check your tire pressure. Consider an oil changer as an easy way to get quick checkup.
A few things you may want to take along include jumper cables, a can of instant air, a first aid kit, and a roll of duct tape. Duct tape is a universal solution to hundreds of roadside problems. Hopefully you won't need any of this stuff but knowing you are prepared will make it easier to relax and enjoy the ride.
