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Go Through a Checklist

Go Through a Checklist

Now that summer is upon us, most of us will be hitting the road for a much-needed vacation.  While you may have gone down your list of food to take, what clothes to bring, the dog’s stuff, and whatever needless thing your 5-year-old can’t live without, it is possible you may have overlooked the needs of your vehicle. A long trip can put some stress on your car, so before you hit the road, you may want to take it for a tune up and look over by a mechanic. Heck, you can even make a checklist for you to look over before your trip so that you and your family can skip the agony of being broken down on the side of the road.

Samarins.com has a few helpful tips, but keep in mind, their tips don’t include other essential items to consider. It would be best to get your vehicle inspected by a mechanic a few days before your trip. Here are a few of our favorites.

Safety First


  • Replace windshield wipers if they are worn-out or old. Good visibility is vital for safe driving. Replace the windshield wipers if they don't clean properly or leave streaks. 
  • Is your tire pressure within specs? The recommended pressure is indicated on the tire pressure sticker. If one of the tires is low, it needs to be checked for nails or other sources of leaks. And also make sure they are in good shape before your trip. 
  • Is your engine oil topped up? If it has been a while since your last oil change and the oil looks dark or dirty, it's a good idea to change it before the trip. If the oil looks clean, but the level is low, you can top it up using the oil grade specified for your car.
  • If your headlights look dim, it makes it very hard to see the road at night, compromising your safety. You can buy a headlight restoration kit for $15-$30 and do it yourself or find a detailing shop to do it for you. Some even suggest using toothpaste to do the job. 
  • Keep a basic emergency kit in your car. This can include jumper (booster) cables, tire sealer-inflator can, tire pressure gauge, a couple of rags and work gloves, a flashlight, and basic tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers and set of the most common sockets). 

Reliable Pre-Owned Vehicles in Abilene

There are more helpful tips from Samarins to go over that can save you money, time, and your life. But if you feel like it’s time to upgrade to a reliable vehicle but don’t want to buy new, check us out. Williams Group Auto has a large selection of pre-owned vehicle in Abilene. You can see our entire selection at www.williamsroupauto.com or visit one of our three convenient locations.

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