Blistering heat, constant sun, and dusty roads. These are contributions to wear and tear on your car in Texas. Traveling long distances such as a Texas to California road trip and back, can make your car unhealthy.

So, here’s a few methods to keep your car in tip-top condition while traveling in Texas.

You don’t want an unexpected breakdown on the side of the road in Texas. It may be the best state in the country, but a broken-down car isn’t good anywhere.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE OIL IN YOUR CAR

This may be an obvious one, but you’ll be surprised how many people experience engine problems from low oil levels. If we use a health metaphor, oil is the lifeblood of your car and ensuring it’s full is key to having a healthy car engine heart.

Also, be sure to change your oil. It’s especially important to get an oil change in older cars. They require it more often than newer models.

BE COOL AND KEEP SOME COOLANT

If oil is the car’s blood, that means coolant is the car’s… sweat. That metaphor works. Coolant is important because it keeps the engine cool during hot days. When you’re stuck in Houston traffic or traveling across the I-10, having coolant in the tank will keep you from overheating your engine and being stranded on the road somewhere.

You’ll earn double smart points, if you keep a tank of spare coolant in your car’s trunk for emergencies.

CHECK OUT THOSE TIRES

Whether their your giant Power King Jumbo tires for your elevated pick-up truck or your standard sedan tires, ensure they’re properly rotated and inflated before any long-distance trips. To continue the metaphor, tires are the shoes of the car.

Could you imagine running across Texas without any shoes?

Tires often go overlooked. When they do, they lead you into some trouble. Get your tires rotated, checked for air pressure, and examined for any leakage. Also, keep a spare in the truck of your car and know how to change a flat.

Knowing this will help you with your defensive driving Houston. Everyone knows that defensive drivers have more fun on the road. They have the confidence and the competence when emergencies strike.

BRAKES – DO YOU HAVE THEM?

Ah, yes. Brakes. Using our beautiful health metaphor, your car’s brakes are the calf muscles on your legs. Sort of.
And just like any calf muscle, you need to get them replaced when they get worn. Braking and going is the one fact of life when traveling in Texas. We’re looking at you Houston traffic.

Constant stopping is bad for your brakes and causes damage. Before any long-distance trip, make sure you check the brake levels to avoid sliding through an intersection – or worse.

BE A FRIEND (ALSO KNOWN AS A DEFENSIVE DRIVER)

The best way to be a courteous driver on the road is to be a defensive one. People on and off the road will respect you more for your ability to remain cool during busy highways or dangerous road conditions.

Nobody enjoys being around a reckless driver.