What an exciting time for your Church’s youth as they get ready for their mission trips. While Church leaders are getting their students ready physically, spiritually and mentally don’t forget about the mundane.
Make sure the Church’s vehicles are ready to complete their job, nobody wants to miss part of the mission trip experience while sitting on the side of the road.
All the Church’s vehicles should be inspected on a regular basis and all Church Buses in Ohio must be inspected annually by the Ohio State Highway Patrol LCS Section (all stickers expire on May 31 of each year). But before you leave on the big trip you should look at the following items at a minimum;
Check your Vehicle’s fluids. There are six important fluids your vehicle needs to run effectively.
Engine oil – You should check the engine oil level before every long trip and add oil if indicated. Have your engine oil changed at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals.
Coolant – This helps heat the vehicle and helps the engine provide optimum operating temperature in cold weather and keeps the vehicle’s engine running cool in hot weather. Make sure the vehicle has the appropriate coolant level before beginning a long trip.
Windshield wiper fluid – This is especially important if you are traveling in rainy weather.
Transmission fluid – Check this fluid level before your trip and check it regularly to extend your transmission’s lifespan.
Power steering fluid – Plenty of vehicles still use this to keep the power steering system running. Make sure the power steering fluid level is adequate before beginning a long trip.
Brake fluid –Make sure the brake fluid level is adequate before beginning a long trip. Have the brake fluid level checked at every oil change.
Check belts, hoses & lighting. Manufacturers usually use a single belt to run the alternator, air conditioning compressor, water pump and other accessories. Check it to make sure it’s not frayed or damaged. Also check that hoses are connected and don’t appear to be dried out, collapsed or damaged. You should also check the bulbs in the headlights, taillights and brake lights.
Check the air filter and cabin filter. The air filter provides debris-free air to the engine and passenger compartment. In general, you should change it every 10,000 to 15,000 miles.
Check your vehicle’s tires. It’s important that all your vehicle’s tires are correctly inflated and have the proper tread to withstand a long road trip. You can find the air pressure your vehicle’s tires require by checking a small label on the inside of the driver’s door jamb, or by checking the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Consider keeping an air pressure gauge in your glove compartment. Most vehicles require a tire rotation every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. If you aren’t sure when the vehicle you are driving last underwent this process, have the tires rotated!
A mission trip can provide memories for a lifetime so take a few minutes to prepare your Church’s vehicles for the experience. And if your Church needs Commercial Insurance for its buses, vans or cars call the Trusted Choice Insurance Agents at Richey-Barrett.
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