The non-profit Car Care Council recommends a vehicle check prior to departure to avoid the hassle and unexpected expense of car trouble away from home, including:
- Checkthe battery and replace if necessary. Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging. Excessive heat and overcharging shortens the life of a battery.
- Checkthe HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) system as proper cooling performance is critical for interior comfort.
- Checkthe tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
- Checkall fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
- Checkthe wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.
The Car Care Council also recommends inspecting the brake system, performing a tune-up, checking and restocking the emergency kit, and fully charging cell phones before leaving home.
