Let's face it, seasons just aren't always consistent. Winters have decent spring weather, and when spring rolls around, winter weather peeks in more than just once or twice for an oddly unseasonable day. Regardless of the cause, you need to be prepared for those changes especially if you plan on traveling across the country. If most of your driving has been just getting to work or around your local area, here are a few preparation steps you'll need to avoid driving unprepared into fluke disasters.
General Tune-Ups To Avoid Surprises
For any kind of travel outside of your normal path, breaking down can be especially dangerous. It takes longer to get information about where you area, and if the road problems are at night, navigation and assistance gets even harder.
Reduce the chances of the most basic car troubles putting you out of commission by getting a tune-up at least a week before your trip. This usually includes a fluid check and change, tire rotation, and general diagnostics of the vehicle.
Temperature changes play a part in travel and tune-ups because it may affect how well different fluids perform in your vehicle. For example, the optimum viscosity (thickness and flowing ability) of oil can change in different temperatures, and although your vehicle's manual has a specific viscosity, such as 10w-30 or 5w-20 for most travel, a professional can recommend changes depending on how cold or hot your destination may be.
Stocking Up On Basic Weather Mitigation
For cold areas, a hand-sized ice scraper is necessary. Whether it's snow that ices over while you sleep at a hotel or a surprise rain and frost, people from warmer climates often have to sit through longer defrost times when these weather problems happen. If your defrost doesn't work, go ahead and get a full-sized scraper with a brush for snow.
Hotter climates aren't without their problems. If air conditioning fails, you'll be driving around with the windows down and any number of problems coming into the car. Carry mosquito repellent, a first aid kit to treat bug bites, and be sure to have a cooler in the trunk for cool drinks. Even if you don't plan on stopping somewhere for a cooler party, it can really increase your comfort if you're stranded and need to keep cool between convenience store and restaurant trips.
For stormy weather, staying dry is key. In addition to one or two umbrellas (in case the wind damages the first umbrella), keep a few compact ponchos in the glove compartment or other small storage. They won't be in the way like larger rain coats may be, and act as an easy emergency protection if raincoats and umbrellas are forgotten.
Contact a tune-up professional, like one from Precision Automotive, for oil changes, tire rotations, and trip preparation equipment to stay safe during these hectic weather days.
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