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How To Safely Take Road Trips During COVID-19

June 2, 2020

Vacations are known to be “happiness anchors” for people of all age groups. As global tourism increased rapidly over the past six decades, traveling as a hobby or for a vacation has become easier. But with restrictions made in an attempt to curb the current COVID-19 pandemic, every regular outdoor activity has come to a halt.

The government has passed orders to avoid non-essential traveling, and several countries have stopped foreign and even domestic travels altogether. With lockdown observed all over the world, it feels like a dream to go on a vacation now.

Nevertheless, many people growing lethargic from weeks of lockdown and social distancing are finding ways to take a break and go on a road trip. An average of 1 in 3 Americans is making plans to take a road trip in the coming months, according to surveys.

As some states re-open, if you are thinking of traveling, there are measures you should take to make your trip safer and more life-sustaining. Here are some tips for you as you hit the road in this COVID-19 era.

Plan For a Shorter Trip

Think about the risks that come with traveling too far – it means more stops along the way, hence more exposure to the outside environment. Also, if something goes wrong on the road, you will be closer to your home.

Be Prepared For Bathroom Breaks

If you can’t hold your nature call, the only option is using a public toilet, which is something to dread at this kind of time. While we hope that they are cleaned often, you should be prepared for the worst by carrying your own toilet paper and soap. It would be wise to bring a potty training chair if you have kids.

Research Your Route More Than You Usually Do

This factor is crucial as you might not enjoy trespassing a zone or state with specific travel restrictions. Plan your trip diligently, checking whether rest stops are available along the way and also the COVID-19 rates in those areas.

Pick a Less-Crowded Destination

As state parks and outdoor recreational sites start to open, you might find it an ideal place to go to. While picking your destination, see that it is less likely to be swarmed with other people. To maintain social distancing and safety, choose nature destinations that are lesser-known.

Be Careful of High-Touch Places While Coming Out of Your Car

Using gloves is a smart move while getting your hands on things in public areas, like the gas station or a washroom door, as these areas can be contaminated. Keep a sanitizer handy too.

Apart from these factors, getting your vehicle ready and safe for the trip is an important one as you cannot go without it! I am sure you are already aware, but here are some of the points to keep in mind before you head out.

Disinfect Your Vehicle

The door handles, gear shift, steering wheel, seat adjusters, seatbelts, and every other surface that you are continually touching might have the potential to transfer coronavirus. So use wipes to disinfect the surfaces when you enter your car.

Check The Fluids

Before going anywhere, it is important to check the fluid levels in your car first. If your oil, brake fluid, or coolant levels are low, it will be hazardous.

Ensure The Lights Are Working

If you are expecting to travel at night or there is a possible chance of bad weather, make sure all of the lights in your car are working perfectly. In case of needing a repair, check out Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena.

Check The Wipers

Wipers are for clearing water or mist away from the windscreen. Before setting out, if you notice that they are leaving marks of water that cause disturbances to your view, have them cleaned or replaced.

Check Your Wheels

If you are driving a vehicle with old tires, getting new ones would be safer before going on a road trip as they need to be in good shape. You also have to check if the tire pressure is neither over-inflated nor underinflated.

Clutch and Brake

Test your car to know if the brake and clutch are functioning normally. You wouldn’t want to find out mid-way that either one isn’t working! When you are on a trip during a pandemic, like now, you cannot rely on the possibility of an open repair shop to save your day if something goes wrong with the car.

Check The Drive Belts and Steering

Examine your drive belt; if it is damaged, the car may come to a complete engine shutdown. Also, check your steering and see if there is an alignment problem with the wheels.

Have a Spare Wheel

This may seem the simplest, but you wouldn’t want to be stuck miles away from home because of a flat tire. Check your spare tire and remind yourself where the jack and spanner are kept so that you will tackle the problem with a flat tire easily.

Summary

As everyday drivers do not notice some car issues, we need qualified technicians to check our vehicles thoroughly. Before you head out on your road trip, if you want to have your car inspected by a reliable service center, consider Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena.

Crown City Tire Auto Care Pasadena is a family-owned business that has been working on vehicles for 96 years. The company offers reliable and the best car service to its guests. Not only in Pasadena, had the company served many satisfied customers in the surrounding cities too.

Powered with talent and teamwork, Crown City Tire Auto Care does all kinds of repairing and excels in taking care of oil, brakes, alignment, air-conditioning, tires, batteries, engine repairing, and suspension to name some.

Having your car checked at Crown City Tire Auto Care Pasadena will give you not only customer service satisfaction but also the best treatment for your vehicle! Try out this car service before you embark on your road trip, and you will have the safest trip this summer!

Last but not least, roll down your windows, get a good track on, and go somewhere you have never been to! The COVID-19 pandemic has confined millions of us over the past few months. A good road trip will be a breath of fresh air for you.

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The Dirty Truth About Your Cabin Air Filter: When to Replace It

April 2, 2025

We all love that fresh, clean feeling when we step into our cars, especially after a long day navigating the bustling streets of Pasadena. But have you ever stopped to think about the air you're actually breathing inside your vehicle? Often overlooked, the cabin air filter plays a crucial role in the quality of your in-car environment. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we believe in empowering our customers with the knowledge to keep their vehicles running smoothly and their occupants healthy. So, let's dive into the often-neglected world of the cabin air filter and uncover the dirty truth about when it's time for a replacement. For many drivers in Pasadena and beyond, the engine air filter gets all the attention. It makes sense – it's directly linked to engine performance and fuel efficiency. However, the cabin air filter, while not impacting how your car runs, significantly affects the air you and your passengers breathe. Think of it as the air purifier for your vehicle's interior. It's designed to trap dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and even airborne pollutants that can enter your car's ventilation system from the outside. Why Should Pasadena Drivers Care About Their Cabin Air Filter? Living in a vibrant city like Pasadena, CA, exposes our vehicles to a variety of environmental factors. From the seasonal blooms releasing pollen into the air to the everyday dust and smog of urban driving, our car interiors can become surprisingly contaminated. A clogged or dirty cabin air filter can lead to a host of issues, some you might not even realize are connected: Reduced Airflow: A blocked filter restricts the amount of air that can pass through your car's heating and cooling system. This can lead to weak airflow from your vents, making it harder to heat or cool your cabin effectively, especially during those hot Pasadena summers or cooler winter evenings. We've seen many customers at Crown City Tire Auto Care surprised at the improvement in their AC performance after a simple cabin air filter replacement. Unpleasant Odors: Over time, trapped particles and moisture in the filter can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, leading to musty or unpleasant odors circulating in your car. If you've noticed a persistent stale smell, even after cleaning your interior, your cabin air filter could be the culprit. Allergic Reactions and Respiratory Issues: For allergy sufferers or individuals with respiratory sensitivities living in Pasadena, a clean cabin air filter is paramount. A dirty filter recirculates allergens and irritants, potentially exacerbating symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Replacing your filter regularly can significantly improve the air quality and comfort for everyone in the vehicle. Strain on Your HVAC System: When the cabin air filter is clogged, your car's blower motor has to work harder to push air through. This increased strain can potentially shorten the lifespan of components in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, leading to more costly repairs down the line. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we always recommend preventative maintenance to avoid such issues. So, When Exactly Should Pasadena Drivers Replace Their Cabin Air Filter? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, several factors can help you determine when it's time for a new cabin air filter in your vehicle: Manufacturer Recommendations: Your vehicle's owner's manual will typically provide a recommended replacement interval for the cabin air filter. This is a good starting point, often suggesting replacement every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year. We at Crown City Tire Auto Care generally advise following these guidelines as a minimum. Visual Inspection: One of the easiest ways to check your cabin air filter is to visually inspect it. The location of the filter varies depending on your vehicle's make and model, but it's often located behind the glove compartment or under the dashboard. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location. Once you've accessed it, take a look. A clean filter will be relatively white or light gray. If it's visibly dirty, clogged with debris, or dark in color, it's definitely time for a replacement. We often show our customers in Pasadena their old filter versus a new one – the difference can be quite striking! Reduced Airflow: As mentioned earlier, a noticeable decrease in the airflow from your vents is a strong indicator of a clogged cabin air filter. If you find yourself turning the fan up higher than usual to achieve the same level of cooling or heating, have your filter checked. Unpleasant Odors: If you consistently notice musty or other unpleasant smells when your ventilation system is running, your cabin air filter is likely trapping odor-causing particles and needs to be replaced. Allergy Season and Driving Conditions in Pasadena: If you frequently drive in dusty conditions, heavy traffic with exhaust fumes, or during peak allergy seasons in Pasadena, your cabin air filter will likely need more frequent replacement. These conditions expose your filter to a higher volume of contaminants. Time Since Last Replacement: Even if you haven't driven many miles, the filter material can degrade over time and lose its effectiveness. If it's been over a year since your last cabin air filter replacement, it's a good idea to have it checked, especially considering the air quality in and around Pasadena. What Happens During a Cabin Air Filter Replacement at Crown City Tire Auto Care? When you bring your vehicle to Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena for a cabin air filter replacement, our experienced technicians will: Locate the Cabin Air Filter: We'll identify the precise location of your vehicle's cabin air filter based on its make and model. Remove the Old Filter: We'll carefully remove the old, dirty filter. You'll likely be surprised at the amount of debris it has collected! Inspect the Housing: We'll check the filter housing for any signs of damage or excessive buildup. Install a New, High-Quality Filter: We use high-quality cabin air filters that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications, ensuring optimal filtration and airflow. Verify Proper Airflow: After installing the new filter, we'll test your vehicle's ventilation system to ensure proper airflow and functionality. Investing in Your In-Car Air Quality with Crown City Tire Auto Care Replacing your cabin air filter is a relatively inexpensive yet highly impactful maintenance task. It's a simple way to improve the air quality inside your vehicle, enhance the performance of your HVAC system, and contribute to a more comfortable and healthier driving experience, especially here in Pasadena. At Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena, we're committed to providing comprehensive auto care services, and that includes ensuring the air you breathe in your car is clean and fresh. Don't wait until you notice strong odors or drastically reduced airflow. Make it a habit to have your cabin air filter checked regularly as part of your routine maintenance. We understand that life in Pasadena can be busy, and it's easy to overlook these smaller maintenance items. That's why we're here to help. Our friendly team at Crown City Tire Auto Care is always ready to answer your questions and provide expert advice on all your automotive needs. We believe that informed drivers make better decisions about their vehicle care, and we're here to be your trusted partner on the road. So, the next time you're thinking about your car's maintenance, remember the "dirty truth" about your cabin air filter. It's a small investment that can make a big difference in your driving comfort and well-being. Let the professionals at Crown City Tire Auto Care in Pasadena help you breathe easier on every journey.