FLUIDS
to check
before your next road trip
F
or many traveling enthusiasts,
few things are more enticing
than the open road. Road trips
have long been popular, and that
popularity appears to be on the rise.
According to a report from MMGY
Global, a travel and hospitality marketing
firm, road trips represented 39 percent
of vacations taken by United States
travelers in 2016. Road trips also
remain popular in Canada, where vast,
rugged terrain makes for idyllic trips.
Before embarking on road trips,
motorists would be wise to inspect
their vehicles to ensure their getaways
are not derailed by car troubles.
Brake fluid
Squeaky brakes are not the only
potential indicator of brake problems.
Brake fluid, which should always be topped
off before beginning a road trip, also
might shed light on potentially serious
problems. According to the National
Motorists Association, brake fluid looks
honey-like and translucent when fresh.
A puddle beneath a vehicle that is clear
to brown and slick indicates a brake
fluid leak, which can ultimately lead to a
complete failure of the brakes. The NMA
recommends brake fluid be changed at
least once every three to four years.
Transmission fluid
When fresh, transmission fluid is
red, darkening over time. However,
transmission fluid should never appear
brown or black, which indicates potential
internal damage to the transmission.
To determine if there are any issues
with the transmission fluid, the NMA
recommends drivers wipe a cool
dipstick between their thumb and index
finger. If even the slightest bit of grit
is felt when wiping the dipstick, the
transmission is likely in need of work.
Oil
Drivers should change their vehicles’
oil before embarking on road trips,
especially if such trips will be lengthy.
The NMA notes that fresh oil is light to
dark amber and translucent, and that is
how oil typically looks immediately after
an oil change. Oil darkens over time, and
that is natural (black oil indicates it’s
time for an oil change). However, oil that
appears cloudy or milky indicates that
coolant is getting into the oil, perhaps due
to gasket problems. Drivers who are not
getting their vehicles’ oil changed before
a road trip should at least check their oil
before leaving to inspect the color of the
oil and ensure the vehicle has enough oil.
Windshield washer fluid
The unknown of the open road is part of
what makes it so appealing. While many
road trippers plan their trips during the
summer and fall when the weather tends
to be both pleasant and predictable, there’s
no guarantee inclement weather won’t
rear its ugly head. Filling the windshield
washer fluid reservoir before embarking
on a trip ensures drivers’ visibility won’t
be adversely affected by unforeseen
issues that can soil windshields.
Checking fluids before embarking
on a road trip can help drivers avoid
breakdowns and ensure a safe, fun trip.
2018 Fall Vermont Home, Garden & Car • 17