Don’t Let Your Vehicle Stall Your Vacation

by Kerri Cooke

With airports in chaos recently, it might be time to consider a road trip this summer rather than booking a flight. 

Yes, gas prices are also fluctuating wildly. However, experts expect the wild swings to potentially calm as the year progresses. At least you won’t have to wait in a TSA line when driving your vehicle. 

However, to ensure a bump-free trip, make sure your automobile is serviced and usual maintenance is taken care of ahead of time. You’re traveling to reduce stress, not to increase it due to your vehicle breaking down. Claire Pumpelly, with Pumpelly Tire, says the typical problems people face during a road trip are a flat tire or tire failure, issues due to the engine overheating and your battery giving up the ghost. 

If the tread on your tire is very worn, don’t take chances. Get that new set of tires before embarking on a long drive. Also, make sure all tires are at correct air pressure. Sometimes things happen and you get a flat due to a screw or nail embedding itself into tire rubber. Ensure you have a working spare tire in your vehicle, carry an air pump and have a can of Fix-a-Flat on hand in case of emergency. 

We’ve all seen people adding water to cool down their overheated engines before taking off down the road again. Ensure all coolant levels in your vehicle are at optimal levels and that no leaks are present. This will help you avoid any such experience as you sightsee. 

It’s such a pain when the battery in the vehicle goes out, especially if you didn’t notice any warning signs. Suddenly, your vehicle refuses to start. A battery check will tell you if your battery is close to needing to be changed or not so there are no sudden surprises. 

For those concerned with time, a maintenance check only takes 15 to 20 minutes. It’s worth it to have peace of mind before hitting the streets. Don’t let car trouble prevent you from enjoying that beach vacation! 

Pumpelly Tire’s maintenance check includes “a comprehensive inspection that covers tire pressure, age and overall condition, along with checks of the battery, belts, hoses and all fluid levels to ensure everything is in optimal working order,” according to Pumpelly.  

For more information, visit pumpellytire.com, stop by their locations in Lake Charles or Sulphur, or call 337-477-9850.