Summer is here and the adventure of the road is calling. If you are thinking of a road trip, Wallet Hub has their annual recommendations for the best states to visit. After factoring in the cost of fuel, lodging and tolls, road conditions and the number of fun and scenic attractions you can see, Oregon was determined to be the best summer destination in the U.S. The rest of the top ten were:
- Nevada
- Utah
- North Carolina
- Minnesota
- Washington
- Idaho
- Colorado
- Louisiana
- Vermont
Before you load the car and head out, make sure your vehicle is ready for the rigors of the road. The dog days of summer can take a toll on your vehicle so here are some summer car care preparations to help you avoid a breakdown on a sweltering day:
- Periodically check and test batteries for proper charging (summer heat drains batteries faster than the cold of winter)
- Be sure your cooling system has the proper anti-freeze/coolant and all belts, hoses and the water pump are properly working (never open a hot radiator cap; the liquid inside is a scalding 200 degrees or hotter)
- Check the air conditioning system for leaks and proper coolant
- Verify the viscosity of your motor oil will stand up to hot weather days (10W-30 or 10W-40)
- Check the tires for tread and proper inflation
- Make sure the spare tire is inflated and there is a jack and tire changing tools
- Test your windshield wipers and change them if they are streaking
Consumer Reports advises that you should also have a basic safety kit that consists of:
- Cell phone and spare battery
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Warning light or reflective triangles
- Tire gauge
- Jumper cables
- Foam sealant for flat tires
Things you should know how to do in case you have a roadside emergency:
Some repairs may be more complicated. That’s why it’s important to have a reliable backup. Whether the battery let you down, your spare tire went flat or you locked the keys in the car, for as little as $1 a month California Casualty’s towing and roadside assistance pays for:
- Lockouts
- Flat tire repair
- Fuel
- Oil
- Dead battery start
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