Are you ready for your summer vacation? If your vacation requires you driving to your destination, it is important to make sure your car is prepared for the road trip.
First, make sure you have car insurance- this is required for ALL Maryland drivers. The Maryland Auto Insurance Fund will never turn down a driver and our policies meet all of the Maryland state requirements. If you need car insurance, contact any of the MAIF locations for a free-quote so you can get covered before you hit the road.
Checking your tires before any summer road trip is also important. Tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles and the pressure should be checked once a month. Hot summer months cause tires to be more prone to blowouts so make sure your spare is also properly inflated.
Since drivers tend to spend more time driving during high temperatures, the engine is more likely to overheat. Your car’s oil keeps the engine running smooth and cool. Without clean oil, the engine will not run properly. Be sure to check your oil every 7,500 miles and especially before you head out on your summer road trip. Hoses and belts connected to the radiator also keep your engine cool. By checking to see if any hoses have cracks or belts have snaps before you start driving, it will be less likely for you to be stranded on the road.
In the event of a car emergency, it is important to have a few items prepared in your car. Keeping a cell phone, first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, basic repair tools, and water in your car will help during an emergency. If something does go wrong and you need assistance will already on the road, the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund offers roadside assistance and towing services that you can add to your insurance plan.
Make sure you are fully prepared before hitting the road this summer. Enjoy your summer vacation without being stranded on the road.