When it comes to "getting away from it all," many Americans are skipping the pricey trips abroad and opting to enjoy the many amazing, closer-to-home sights from the comfort of their own vehicles.
Perhaps you and your family are planning a getaway - take note that road trips (and we're not referring to that abomination of a film) can potentially cause your vehicle to break down in some anonymous location, thus turning your dream vacation into a horror film right then and there. So, before you load the car and take off, make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top condition.
Prepping for your road trip can be made easier by ensuring that you do a pre-trip inspection - this could help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and the stress expected during such catastrophic events.
Inspect and repair, if needed, the following.
Radiator and cooling system, including water pump, fan and thermostat
Brakes, brake pads and brake linings
Battery, cables included.
Belts and hoses.
Check the oil in your engine/oil filter.
Wiper blades and washer fluid
The overall condition of your tires, spare tire included.
Last but not the least among these pointers, do not leave home if you notice your "Check Engine" light is flashing.
The Check Engine light appears when your vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) computer detects a problem. A good number of Air Pollution Control Districts believe that the Check Engine light is not just a means in which air pollution could be limited, but also a good way to notify drivers about potential dangers against their engines or fuel economy, helping them avoid repairs if they are aware of the light's purpose.
In the even the light appears, relax - yes, it may not be the best of situations, but keep your composure and consult your vehicle service manual - it usually would have the answer you need to work on an action plan.
Taking the vehicle to a mechanic may be costly - yes, the diagnostic tool they use to check on vehicles may look all neat, but such a service warrants charges of up to $100.
A new automotive tool, with a Web site, lets consumers run their own diagnosis, enabling them to verify the mechanic's assessment.
This tool is known as CarMD (tm), and it starts out by listing down all potential issues with the vehicle's electronic systems and emission control. This is a tool that anybody can learn how to use and fully operate, thus saving consumers money by using such a tool that shares a lot of similar technology with the stuff you would see at a mechanic's garage. A green light indicates that all systems are "go," a yellow light signals a possible problem and a red light means there is a current problem and service is required.
For more in-depth information, simply plug the tool into your personal computer and turn it on. This will provide you with all the information you need on your vehicle's condition by doing a health check - you are also shown estimated fixes and repair costs and any potential issues, and of course, the company's website.
Perhaps you and your family are planning a getaway - take note that road trips (and we're not referring to that abomination of a film) can potentially cause your vehicle to break down in some anonymous location, thus turning your dream vacation into a horror film right then and there. So, before you load the car and take off, make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top condition.
Prepping for your road trip can be made easier by ensuring that you do a pre-trip inspection - this could help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and the stress expected during such catastrophic events.
Inspect and repair, if needed, the following.
Radiator and cooling system, including water pump, fan and thermostat
Brakes, brake pads and brake linings
Battery, cables included.
Belts and hoses.
Check the oil in your engine/oil filter.
Wiper blades and washer fluid
The overall condition of your tires, spare tire included.
Last but not the least among these pointers, do not leave home if you notice your "Check Engine" light is flashing.
The Check Engine light appears when your vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) computer detects a problem. A good number of Air Pollution Control Districts believe that the Check Engine light is not just a means in which air pollution could be limited, but also a good way to notify drivers about potential dangers against their engines or fuel economy, helping them avoid repairs if they are aware of the light's purpose.
In the even the light appears, relax - yes, it may not be the best of situations, but keep your composure and consult your vehicle service manual - it usually would have the answer you need to work on an action plan.
Taking the vehicle to a mechanic may be costly - yes, the diagnostic tool they use to check on vehicles may look all neat, but such a service warrants charges of up to $100.
A new automotive tool, with a Web site, lets consumers run their own diagnosis, enabling them to verify the mechanic's assessment.
This tool is known as CarMD (tm), and it starts out by listing down all potential issues with the vehicle's electronic systems and emission control. This is a tool that anybody can learn how to use and fully operate, thus saving consumers money by using such a tool that shares a lot of similar technology with the stuff you would see at a mechanic's garage. A green light indicates that all systems are "go," a yellow light signals a possible problem and a red light means there is a current problem and service is required.
For more in-depth information, simply plug the tool into your personal computer and turn it on. This will provide you with all the information you need on your vehicle's condition by doing a health check - you are also shown estimated fixes and repair costs and any potential issues, and of course, the company's website.
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