Holy Week is the only time where most of the people are given a reason to take a mandatory break from their daily routine. It is also the best time to go to different beaches or resorts with family and loved ones. However, everyone is too busy preparing for their road trips and out-of-town vacations that they tend to overlook the details about their car’s safety.

Always bear in mind that safety must be a priority to ensure a worthwhile vacation. With that, we listed 10 things you must check before going out this Holy Week.

Air Pressure

Checking the air pressure of your tires will ensure a smooth driving experience and ultimately your car will survive long road trips. Tires which are correctly inflated will give the driver better handling, a dependable grip on the road and improve its fuel economy. Proper way of checking the air pressure of tires is indicated in your car’s manual.

You’ll find the manufacturer’s optimum or recommended tire pressure for your car on a sticker in the door jam, or in your owner’s manual. Some models even place the stickers on the trunk lid, in the console or on the fuel door. Recommended pressure is usually between 30 and 35 PSI.

Navigation System

Having your navigation system checked will give immense help when you’re planning to visit a place for the first-time. In addition, a fixed navigation system which functions well gives a driver alternative routes to prevent them from going through heavy traffic. It also helps them arrive at their destinations faster.

Nowadays, Waze, the world’s largest community based traffic and navigation app, is commonly used by drivers. The app is very useful because it shares real-time traffic and road info – saving everyone’s time and gas money.

Tire Wear

Cracks in the sidewall, foreign objects impacted in the tire and squealing sounds when turning at a corner during normal speeds are things you need to consider when checking your tire wear. But the best way to ensure a hassle-free road trip is to replace your tire wear with a new one especially if you’re up for a long journey. Tires heat up easily during summer and a long road-trip can cause worn-out tires.

The way your tires wear is a good indicator of other parts of your car. Abnormal wear patterns are often caused by the need for simple tire maintenance, or for front end alignment. Tires should be inspected at every opportunity; especially if you’re off for an out-of-town trip for the holidays.

Car Battery

Most people often ignore the importance of the car battery, it can somehow be compared to a human’s heart that pumps out needed electricity for the vehicle. Without it, your car will not start. Always make sure that the car battery is safe from any dirt or debris especially during summer.

Extreme heat can cause chemical reaction to the battery which may result in it losing its charge or failing. Engine corrosion or struggles in starting your car are the early signs that you should go for a maintenance check. To avoid further damage to your car’s battery, immediately have it checked and changed, if needed.

Car Oil

During long road trips, it is highly-advised that you have your car’s oil changed as the long and scorching heat from your travel will give additional stress to your engine. Adding extra oil does not guarantee a smooth trip. Mud-like components and dirt from the used oil must be removed first before adding new oil. The oil filter must be replaced as well.

You can select from a variety of engine lubricants, engine oil and motor oil, so your internal combustion engine can continue to fire on all cylinders. The most important thing to consider is to use oil that’s the right thickness, or viscosity, for your car’s engine.

Brakes

Your car’s brakes are the most important part of your car. Any road accident or problem can be prevented if your brake is working efficiently. And the best way to do that is to go to your trusted mechanic, have your brake checked and change it immediately if there are any problems identified.

If the disc and pads seem to be in good condition and your brake pedal doesn’t flutter when you step on it, you don’t need to do anything else. While driving, try coasting to slow down before applying brakes whenever possible. This helps to preserve your car’s brakes by putting less pressure on them.

Windshield Wipers

Heavy rain is not expected during summer season but it is still important to know that the car’s wiper is functioning properly. Dust and foreign objects that sneak into cars while driving fast can be removed by wipers easily if it runs smoothly. Always have those wipers checked for any cracks, noises or bents.

Even though they’re relatively inexpensive and aren’t flashy, windshield wipers play a key role in keeping you safe. To extend the life of your wipers, make it a habit to clean your windshield every time you fill your gas tank. You could also park your car in the shade to avoid too much exposure to heat.

Signal Lights

Having car signal lights that work properly benefits not only you but also your fellow drivers. It serves as a guide for any drive around and about the direction you may take to avoid accidents. Using it is the best way to communicate with other drivers.

Before heading out, always check your signal lights such as brake lights, reverse lights, left signal light and right signal light. You should replace immediately if one or more are defective. Check for open circuit, short circuit or poor ground.

Car Seat

Ensuring for your trip’s safety is good but preparing for unexpected incidents on the road is a must too. Always ensure your security as well your passengers’ by checking the car seats and seat belts and seeing if it’s installed properly. Leather seats don’t need much maintenance, but preventing tears and stains is crucial.

Experts say your seats just need dusting, vacuuming and the occasional wipe down. The simplest way to prolong the life of your leather interior is to vacuum it regularly. Make sure your car seats are kept clean for comfort and security purposes.

Emergency Road Kit

An emergency road kit includes flashlight, screwdrivers, flares and reflective warning triangle. Everybody must have this especially when you are going for a long journey. Reflective warning triangles are important when you experience an inconvenience while on the road, this will help you to be visible to other cars during the night.

Always check if your prepared emergency road kit is complete. It is better to be prepared than to be sorry – you’ll never know when you’ll need it. Long drives require this kits especially if you will pass through roads or places where assistance could seldom be found.