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With the holidays approaching, many families are preparing to visit out-of-town relatives. Road trips can take a toll on your car, so you must have appropriate auto insurance coverage and perform essential maintenance tasks before you depart. Here is how you can prepare your vehicle for the trip.

3 Tips to Ready Your Car for a Holiday Road Trip

1. Change the Oil

Oil lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and dissipates heat in your engine. Before any car trip, drain the old oil and replace it. Over time, oil absorbs moisture and collects tiny metal shavings from the movement of engine parts. Don't embark on a long car ride with these contaminants in your oil; they can cause engine problems or overheating. Oil should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every three months — whichever comes sooner.

2. Check Tire Pressure

auto-insurance-dalton-gaLow tire pressure causes unnecessary wear and tear on the tires. It also reduces fuel economy. Meanwhile, overinflated tires increase the chances of a blowout. Before driving any distance, check the tire pressure to ensure they are inflated to the pressure recommended in your car's owner's manual.

3. Update Your Auto Insurance

You must always have your car adequately insured beyond the legal auto insurance minimums for long trips. Georgia requires you to carry at least $25,000 each of bodily injury liability — to a per-accident maximum of $50,000. You must also account for property damage liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Especially valuable vehicles should have collision and comprehensive coverage to protect against road trip mishaps.


For help designing an auto insurance policy, contact Wilson Insurance Agency in Dalton, GA. They have helped clients throughout Whitfield County protect themselves and their vehicles since 1969. Call them at (706) 278-0549, or visit their website to request a quote.

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