Summer Road trips, Vehicle Safety ...Did you check?

Mecha-Manny

Your safety depends on the condition of your vehicle. It’s the driver’s responsibility to maintain all equipment. Don’t wait for your yearly inspection. Keep the owner’s manual in the glove compartment. Check it regularly to note scheduled service reminders and to log maintenance. Oil changes every 5,000 to 7,000 kilometers provide increased mileage, lower oil consumption and improve trade-in value.

Save yourself money, headache and the trouble of a breakdown. Learn to detect signs of wear and tear. Catch danger while it’s still only a little trouble.

Take safety precautions to reduce your personal risk. Use safety equipment, including safety belts, speedometer, and signal lights.

Periodically Manually Check:

•Fluid Levels: oil, wipers, coolant, power steering, brake and transmission;

•Brakes: for firmness;

•Tire Pressure: and treads - keep an eye out for uneven wear;

•Light Bulbs: in the trunk, under the hood and in the glove compartment;

•All Lights: front, high and low beam, brake lights, directional and interior lights;

•Belts, hoses and wires for wear, loosening or dislocation;

•Horn;

•Spare tire and access to it. Gardening gloves for changing tires;

•Contents of First Aid and Car Safety Kit: update and replenish as necessary.

If your car should become disabled, try to get well clear of the road. Keep an emergency road kit in your trunk. Warn oncoming cars with lights, flares and a raised hood. See your dealer or mechanic whenever you detect abnormal signs.