(Archive photo)
Rennie Bryant has seen it all before. He founded Redline Performance, an auto-repair facility in Pompano Beach, Fla., more than 35 years ago, so he's used to hearing last-minute requests from customers who are heading out of town on a holiday trip.
They're looking for a quick, last-minute checkup to make sure their vehicle is up to the trip. And sometimes, when Bryant asks when they plan to leave, the answer is, "This afternoon." Which, of course, probably makes it too late for most repairs.
An ill-prepared vehicle can not only jeopardize your trip, but also the safety of you and your passengers. And on-the-road repairs are seldom cheap or convenient.
Travel kit
- Here's a starter kit for automotive emergencies:
- Your AAA card, or a membership from another agency that offers emergency road service.
- A can of aerosol tire repair. Be sure to read the instructions before you go.
- A flashlight. Consider one with a crank for manual recharging.
- A list of family and emergency phone numbers, stapled inside a good, old-fashioned road atlas.
- A phone charger that plugs into the lighter.
- A fresh roll of duct tape, a quart of motor oil, a half-roll of paper towels and a gallon of distilled water — good for drinking or filling a radiator.
So with time to spare, Bryant suggests really checking your car out, either at home or with a trusted mechanic.
Look underneath
Bryant says that while modern vehicles don't need conventional lubrication jobs, you need to check CV joint boots — rubber enclosures that surround constant-velocity joints on front- and all-wheel-drive vehicles that connect the engine to the wheels — for cracks that can let lubrication out, and dirt and water in.
Brakes and brake lines should be inspected, as well as the condition of the exhaust system.
Inspect tires, too, rotating them to check the tread for cuts, unusual wear, or nails or other puncture-causing objects.
Once the car is back on the ground, Bryant checks the spare tire. "No one ever thinks to look at it and check the pressure until it's too late," he says. "Those little temporary spare tires tend to lose air quickly."
Pop the hood
Under the hood, Bryant checks the age, level and condition of the oil, the transmission fluid and the brake fluid.
"And, of course, the antifreeze in the radiator," he says. Antifreeze is important because while its main purpose is to prevent engine freeze-up, it also provides significant corrosion protection for your engine and radiator.
Batteries can also suffer from cold weather. A 30-degree drop in temperature can tax an already-weak battery to the point where it won't start your car. All batteries eventually fail, and it's better to replace one before it leaves you stranded. Check battery cable connections, too. Marginal connections might not supply enough electricity to crank your engine in colder weather.
Also worth a look: Belts and hoses, as well as fuel, oil and air filters — including the often-overlooked cabin air filters many modern vehicles have. Check windshield-washer fluid and the condition of the wipers. Also check to make sure all exterior lights work.
Finally, don't forget your own comfort on a trip. A good interior cleaning, including the glass, will make the trip more pleasant.
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