Preparing Your Car For A Summer Road Trip

A summer road trip is just what you need to shake off the dust and rediscover your sense of adventure.

Whether you’re heading out to explore a new area or visiting your hometown, a well-cared-for car can take you there without any trouble. If you’ve been neglecting regular vehicle maintenance, now is the time to focus on fixing any issues — before you’re stranded on the roadside.

One Month Before Departure

One month before your summer road trip, have a trusted mechanic take a look at your car. If there are any problems in major areas, like with your brakes, get them repaired at this time.

Your mechanic should also replace any hoses and belts that are nearing the end of their useful lives as well. If any are close to breaking, it’s smart to get new ones before you head out on a long journey.

This is also the best time to check your tires, both the ones currently on your car and the spare. Make sure you have enough tread left to make it through the summer. If any tires are getting close to bald, it’s time to get new ones.

You don’t want to find yourself baking in the summer sun on the roadside due to a flat — that’s often an avoidable situation. Also, make sure you have all the equipment you need to replace a flat with a spare as well. 

One Week Before Departure

A week before your summer road trip, take your car to get an oil change, or do it yourself if you can. At this point, it’s also vital to check all fluid levels. Make sure your vehicle has enough coolant and windshield washer fluid.

You also should check the condition of the air filter. If you have been using it for over 10,000 miles, it’s probably clogged with dirt and it will lead to lower gas mileage. This is a cheap replacement part that’s easy to change out.

Prior Day Preparations

While you’re packing your car the night before you leave, check the air pressure in your tires. Once the car is fully loaded, stop at a service station and make sure your tires are inflated to the proper air pressure fit for a heavy load.

Make sure you have your membership card if you use a roadside assistance program. Find the name and contact information of a trusted towing company just in case, and store these details in your cell phone. Pack snacks, water and a mobile cell phone charger just in case you have an unexpected breakdown.

Your summer road trip can be the most epic vacation yet, so don’t let car problems ruin it. Preparation is key to keeping your vehicle fit for long-distance travel. You can trust Stauffer’s Towing to not only help you in times of car trouble, but to help you prevent the problems in the first place, especially when a summer road trip is on your calendar.