Taking 30 minutes to do this pre-trip car inspection can help avoid the need for Towing in Edmonton during your vacation or road trip.
If you live in Alberta, especially around Edmonton then you’ve probably had to call an Edmonton towing company in the past for a car that had succumbed to the weather; likely for other reasons as well. Breakdowns happen at the most inconvenient of times but one of the worst times for your car to give-up on you is during a road trip, a vacation or a long drive. There’s nothing worse than being stuck far from home as you’re forced to call for towing to take you back to Edmonton.
Fortunately, there are a lot of little things you can do to help keep your car off the side of the road. If you call for Edmonton towing more than you call your mum then this pre-trip inspection checklist carries more value than gold.
You don’t have to get your hands too dirty or devote a great deal of time. Just run through this list a day or two before you travel with your vehicle and you can almost guarantee a worry-free drive
Avoid the Need for Towing with this Pre-Trip Checklist
The Walk Around: As you head for your car, give it a quick walk around and look for anything obvious; puddles underneath, leaking or dripping, flat or low tires, sagging on one side, etc. This can be done as you approach the vehicle and only needs a quick glance as you’ll get more intimate with the vehicle in a moment.
Start the Vehicle: Take your car for a short drive for a few blocks to get the engine warmed up. Go home, shut the engine down, and check your oil. Pull the stick, wipe it clean, replace it then remove it again and examine oil. Check the color, weight and level. It should be clear, light in color and at the proper line to note that it’s full. If the color is dark, if it smells burnt or if you’re low then head in for an oil change.
Check the Serpentine Belt: Keep the engine off. Check the belt in your car that wraps around the front of the engine in most model vehicles. It often includes the water pump, fan, AC and alternator. Some vehicles have more than one belt. Use a bright flashlight and check the belt for cracks or tears. Likewise, push on the belt in the center, between each of the pulleys to see how loose it is. The belt shouldn’t flex more than a half inch or so. If the belt shows wear, have it changed. Belts are cheap (often under $20) and most parts dealers and mechanics give a lifetime warranty on the belt.
Proper Fluid Levels Reduce The Need for Towing by Over 25%
Check Fluids Starting with Washer Fluid: Fluids help keep you on the road including your coolant and even your washer fluid. If you can’t see, you can’t drive. Check the reservoir level then use your wipers and check the spray angle. Make sure the wipers clean the window completely and replace any blade that is cracked, losing contact or torn.
Check Transmission Fluid: If you’re alone, set your parking brake and place the car in neutral with the engine running. Pull the transmission dipstick and wipe clean. Replace, and then pull again. The color of the fluid should be bright red and be relatively clear. It should smell semi-sweet. If the fluid smells burnt, is dark and/or dirty then you should have the transmission inspected and consider having the fluid changed. Add transmission fluid if needed.
Check Coolant: Only check the reservoir; do not remove the pressure cap on the radiator while the vehicle is still warm. The reservoir will show a hot and cold level. Not the level at Hot and check it again once the engine has cooled off. Add the proper coolant for your vehicle as needed. If you only have a pressure cap on your vehicle, wait until the car has had sufficient time to cool, check the level and add as needed.
Check Tire Pressure: While you eyeballed the tires walking up, you still need to keep an eye on the actual level to avoid the need for towing in Edmonton. Get out the pressure gauge and make sure the tires are within their operating range. For a long trip, keep the pressure a 3-5 PSI below the max as there will be a lot of pressure variants due to heat build-up in the tires. A slightly softer tire puts more tread on the road, giving you a safer and more comfortable ride on long trips (while also working to improve fuel efficiency).
Check Tire Tread: Make sure your tires are in good condition. If they look like the tread is getting thin or there is damage, swap out for a spare or invest in new tires. Your tires keep you on the road, and you should never compromise your safety.
Check Your Lights: If for some reason you do end up on the side of the road waiting for an Edmonton towing company, you want to make sure you don’t become a road hazard. Check all of your brake lights, headlights, turn signals and 4 way emergency lights. If you don’t have them, stock up on spare lights for your vehicle to have in an emergency.
Lastly, set yourself up with an emergency kit. This kit should have some road flares, reflective triangles, a tire pressure gauge, jumper cables, simple tool kit, flashlight/floodlight with emergency flashers and an air pump that can plug into your vehicle for electricity. This kit, in combination with your pre-trip inspection, will help keep you from being stranded on the side of the road. Should you still wind up there, it can at least keep you safe until an Edmonton towing company arrives to get you home or back on the road.