Prepping your car for vacation

Before you set off on your car trip, follow the checklist from the National Automotive Parts Association to reduce the risk of vacation breakdown.
- Check to see whether fluid levels under the hood are adequate: oil, coolant, brake, windshield-wiper, transmission, and battery fluids.
- Replace worn wiper blades.
- Make sure that all tires (including the spare) are properly inflated.
- Replace tires that show uneven tread wear and bulges. Most roadside emergencies result from blowouts.
- Have your tires rotated and balanced, if you have not done so for more than a year, and have the alignment checked.
- Check for visible cracks or bulges in engine belts and hoses, and replace any that look suspicious.
- Tap the horn a few times to make sure it is working and is loud enough.

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