Episode 41: Tips to Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly While Traveling -

03May 2021 by EJtheTravelDiva

Today’s episode is a bit different.

Usually, when I talk about taking a trip, I talk air travel.

But, sometimes you just want to get into your car and take a long drive somewhere and have a good time with family or friends. Especially during the pandemic, where people are either uncomfortable with flying or there are some restrictions on flights, taking a road trip is a great way to still go out and experience different places.

Joining me today, is Tripp Peek. He is the Director of Retail Operations at Tire Discounters, the largest 100% family-owned and operated independent tire provider in the US.

We’re going to be talking about how to ensure your vehicle is good to go for a long-distance trip.

Here are some tips to keep your vehicle running smoothly while traveling:

[04:30] Check your brakes.

The braking system on your vehicle is arguably one of the most important safety mechanisms.

There are a few things to look out for before you hit the road. If you notice any of these indicators when applying the brakes, it’s best to have them checked out:

1. Do you hear a screeching or grinding sound?

2. Do you feel a vibration in the brake pedal?

3. Does it take longer for your vehicle to stop?

4. Does your car pull to one side?

[05:32] Check the condition of your tires.

You need to make sure your tires are aligned, properly inflated, and have an ample amount of tread.

If the tread depth is below 4/32nds of an inch, it’s a good time to consider replacing them. Your tire pressure also affects traction, cornering, and braking, so keeping the pressure up is best for your safety.

There are a few ways to check your tires at home:

1. The penny check – take a penny, turn it upside down, and if the tread is below the head on the penny, it’s time to take it in.

2. The tread wear bar – this is set at 2/32nds of an inch. This is the DoT legal limit. Anything below that has to be replaced.

3. Tread depth gauges – these are colour-coded. Green indicates good depth, yellow indicates time to prepare for replacing tires, and red indicates the danger zone.

[08:39] Test your battery.

The average battery life is 4 – 6 years. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t till test it.

Before going on a long trip, have an expert check the battery.

At home, look out for the following signs:

1. Early morning, cranking cold start.

2. Is your car dragging?

3. Are your lights starting to dim? These include the headlights, interior lights, and dash lights.

[09:25] Keep an eye on your oil level.

Regularly checking your oil can make a difference for your vehicle’s engine. The rule of thumb is to change it every 3000 – 4000 miles, although newer vehicles can go as many as 10,000 before needing an oil change.

Over time, the engine’s heat and other contaminants will turn the oil into sludge that wears down the system more quickly.

Even with all the sensors and diagnostic tools on vehicles, it’s still a good idea to check the oil at every other fuel refill.

[11:13] Check your air filters.

The air filter for the engine could typically last between 15,000 – 30,000 miles. If you drive on dirt roads or around construction often, you may need to have it changed more frequently. Your engine needs both fuel and air, so cleaning this filter not only keeps your engine healthy, it can save you some gas money.

The aircon cabin filter needs to be checked frequently as well, so that you can ensure that you’re breathing clean, fresh air as you drive.

[14:04] Windshield wipers.

You never know whether or not the windshield wipers are in good condition until you have to use them, and discovering them in a bad condition when you’re travelling in stormy weather is dangerous.

Have them checked out, especially after a particularly cold winter.

There are some signs to look out for:

1. Do you see streaks on the windshield?

2. Do you hear squeaking?

3. Is the wiper skipping across the windshield?

Along with changing the wipers, check your wiper fluid – this will help ensure the wipers are functioning more efficiently.

[17:03] Have an emergency kit.

This isn’t often on people’s minds when on the road, but if you get stranded out in the middle of nowhere, an emergency kit can save you.

In the kit, you can have some warm clothing, a blanket, non-perishable food, water, safety flares, a mobile charger, and definitely a first aid kit.

[17:53] Monitor the weather.

Before you set out on your road trip, check your weather forecast. It’s always best to be prepared for the weather conditions that you might experience on the road.

[18:06] Share your travel plans with family and friends.

Keep family and friends up to date on your plans. That way, if something goes wrong, they know where to start looking for you, and where to expect you if they need to contact you.

[19:13] Skip The Shop.

Tire Discounters have recently launched their Skip The Shop valet service. With this service, customers can have their car picked up from home or work, Tire Discounters will take care of the car’s service, and the car will be returned to the customer.

If you’re getting into your car and onto the open road, you want to know that you’re going to get to your destination and have a great time, and these tips can truly make your trip safer and stress-free.

Check out my FREE Road Trip Checklist for your car, as well as a DIY Safety Kit that you can keep in your car at all times.

If you want to check out Tripp Peek and Tire Discounters, visit the links below:

Tire Discounters: https://www.tirediscounters.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tripp-peek-63776946
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TireDiscounters
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tirediscounters
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TireDiscounters

About Tire Discounters in Nashville:
· Tire Discounters has 14 stores in the Nashville metro area
· Tire Discounters has won Nashville’s Main St. awards for Best Tire Store & Best Auto Service Center 2020
· Tire Discounters is the nation’s largest, 100% family owned and operated independent tire provider and is growing rapidly
· Tire Discounters was recently named Tire Dealer of the Year. It’s truly a recognition of its dedication every day to delivering outstanding customer service. The award specifically recognizes Tire Discounters for the commitment to customer satisfaction

Deals/ Discounts:
Deals happening in Nashville can be found here: https://www.tirediscounters.com/deals
These deals include:
· Up to $120 total savings on Michelin tires, valid through 5/3: https://www.tirediscounters.com/deals/up-to-120-total-savings-michelin-1
· 12 months special financing, valid through 5/3: https://www.tirediscounters.com/deals/12-month-financing
· $49.99 Full Synthetic Oil Change, Filter, & Tire Rotation, valid through 5/3: https://www.tirediscounters.com/deals/49-99-full-synthetic-oil-change-and-filter
· On the Road Again Package, valid through 5/3: https://www.tirediscounters.com/deals/on-the-road-again

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One thought on “Episode 41: Tips to Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly While Traveling”

Pamela Prymer

Episode is right on time!! We just took a long roadtrip from Georgia to Iowa for 6 days and needed these tips. We are the ones that are not ready to fly yet, so definitely plan to do alot more road trips.

06/02/2021 at 1:46 pm