Getting Your Car Ready for a Spring Road Trip

Car on asphalt road in summer

Spring is nearly here, which means better weather and more opportunities to take road trips! However, before you hit the road, make sure your trip will be smooth and hassle-free. One of the best ways to do this is to perform a vehicle check-up and some basic maintenance before you leave. A little foresight and preventive care can go a long way in avoiding issues that can disrupt your plans!

These six tips will help you have a safe trip without any unwanted excitement—like breakdowns or accidents.

  1. Check Your Battery
    Your battery should be in good condition and able to hold a full charge while you’re on the road. If you have a battery tester at home, check the charge, or schedule a battery test at your mechanic or an auto parts store.
  1. Check Your Tire Tread and Air Pressure
    Flat tires and blowouts are two of the most common reasons for breakdowns on road trips. Before leaving, check the depth of your tire tread. For good traction, they should have at least 3/4 inch of tread. Use a tire pressure gauge to check your tire pressure; if it’s low, fill your tires to the recommended level listed near your driver’s side door. It’s also a good idea to make sure your spare tire is in good condition.
  1. Check Your Vehicle’s Fluid Levels
    Make sure all your automotive fluids are filled and in top condition. This includes the oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. If any of them are low, top them off. If your car is due for an oil change, radiator flush, or other fluid exchanges, have these performed before you leave on your trip. Keep an eye out for leaks or signs of old, degraded fluid (such as dark brown or black oil) and schedule repairs or service as needed.
  1. Check Your Brakes
    It probably goes without saying, but faulty brakes are dangerous—especially on longer trips. If you’ve noticed unusual noises while braking, a spongey brake pedal, or that your brakes aren’t as responsive as normal, have them inspected before your trip.
  1. Check Your Electrical Equipment
    Sometimes the less thought-of features on your vehicle can lead to problems on the road. Your electrical equipment, like your lights, windshield wipers, windows, turn signals, and GPS or other connected devices should all be working properly. If any of these are having issues, have them professionally inspected.
  1. Take Care of Any Major Repairs
    If you’ve been putting off any major repairs, including suspension, frame, or bodywork, they should be performed before hitting the road. Vehicle damage can be a safety risk for you and your passengers, and it can increase the chances of experiencing a breakdown. However, make sure to schedule these repairs in advance of your trip to ensure they’ll be done on time.

For High-Quality Auto Body Repair, Visit Cline Collision Center

The last thing anyone wants is to be stressed out about their vehicle during a road trip! Performing these basic checks and routine vehicle maintenance will help you have a reliable ride and complete peace of mind.

If you need auto body repair before your trip—or your vehicle gets damaged during your road trip—Cline Collision Center is here to help. We offer comprehensive auto body repair, ADAS calibration, and headlight restoration to help you stay safe and sound on the road. Contact us at (707) 591-9909 for a free estimate or schedule an appointment online.

How Understanding Your Insurance Policy (Including the Fine Print!) Can Save You Money

If you own a car, you’re required by law to have a current auto insurance policy and keep proof of insurance inside your vehicle. Like many, though, you probably haven’t spent a lot of time diving into the details of your policy. Many people don’t understand even the basics of automobile insurance. Here’s a short course (not a crash-course!) to get you up to speed on what’s in your policy and how it affects you when you get in an accident.

Your policy usually consists of five different sections:

How Understanding Your Insurance Policy Can Save You Money
  • Declarations contain unique information such as the name and address for each driver in your household, the make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of each vehicle, the policy number, and duration. It also spells out the type of coverage you have, including policy limits and deductibles. You’ll want to make sure that the information you provide your insurer is accurate—they can deny your claim if you have misrepresented any key facts.
  • Coverage Parts/Insuring Agreement outlines the options and limits that you purchased, such as liability, medical, collision, and comprehensive. This section tells you what your insurance company promises you in return for your payment.  
  • Exclusions detail what is not covered. By highlighting the limitations of your policy, the insurance company tells you exactly what is covered when you make a claim. Knowing these exclusions allows you to make changes that strengthen coverage. 
  • Conditions are the legal responsibilities of the insured and the insurer, such as premium payment obligations, steps for filing a claim, and methods for resolving disputes.
  • Definitions, often referred to as the “fine print,” explicitly defines the terminology used in the document and include the rights of the insurer and the policyholder.

Making Informed Decisions

So, now that you know the building blocks of your policy—how does having a greater understanding help you make better decisions about cost and coverage? Here are just a few critical areas to examine:

  • Collision coverage covers the loss to your vehicle when it is in an accident. Choosing the correct deductible can be a real balancing act. You pay a lower premium for a higher deductible. This is great if you never or rarely get in an accident. On the other hand, it can cost you a lot of extra cash if you have a high deductible and find yourself with multiple claims. How many miles you drive, the kind of driving you do, and your ability to remain focused at the wheel can help determine whether you need a higher or lower deductible.
  • Liability covers the property and medical losses of another party if you’ve cause an accident, including legal fees. Bodily injury covers items such as medical costs and the lost salaries of someone you have injured, while property damage pays for repairs to vehicles and other property. In California, the minimum bodily injury coverage is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. Property damage is $5,000 minimum. Higher amounts of coverage raise premiums but can protect you when damage is more costly. Remember, you’re on the financial hook when you cause an accident, and insurance can protect your assets in the event of a crash.
  • Coverage for uninsured and underinsured motorists covers you up to the policy limits when you incur damages, and the driver either has none, or too little, insurance and limited assets that you can recover. Like every aspect of insurance, having too much insurance that you never use and having limited coverage when you need it can cost you.

Make sure to keep yourself adequately covered and read the fine print of your policy to make the best choices possible for you and your family. It is also critical to know where to bring your vehicle if you get in an accident. We use only high-quality parts and provide outstanding workmanship to return your vehicle to you in pre-collision condition. For the best choice for Sonoma County autobody repair, contact Cline Collision Center online or call us at 707-591-9909 today!