Summer season is coming, and it means fun road trips! If you’re like most people, you’ll hit the open road in your car this summer. But, before you leave, there are a few things you need to make sure your vehicle is ready for the trip. This blog post will share some of the most important steps to prepare your vehicle for a summer road trip.
Summer Road Trip Preparation
Car Checklist
Before you embark on your adventurous summer road trip, making sure your car is up for the journey is important. Here is a vehicle checklist of things you should do to prepare your car:
#1. Check the oil level and quality.
It is important to have clean oil in your car engine to run smoothly. Failing to do this could result in engine damage. To check your car oil level:
- Find the dipstick near the front of the engine and pull it out.
- Wipe off oil on the stick’s end and reinsert it into the engine.
- Pull it out again and check where the oil reaches on the dipstick.
You will need to add more oil if it is below the minimum line. To do this, remove the oil cap, usually located on the top of the engine, and pour in the new oil.
If you’re unsure what oil to use, consult your car’s owner’s manual or ask a professional.
#2. Check the coolant level and mix.
The coolant in your automobile helps keep the engine from overheating. Having the right mix of water and coolant in your car is very important. To check the level:
- Find the coolant reservoir near the front of the engine and remove the cap.
- Check if your car’s coolant is at or above the minimum.
- If it isn’t, add more until it reaches that point.
Understand that you should never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot—only do this when the engine is cool.
#3. Check the tyre pressure and tread depth.
Having good conditioned tyres on your car is important for safety and fuel efficiency. You don’t want to get stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, so check the pressure and tread depth before starting your trip. Keep in mind that you must also check the rotation of your tires. You should move the front tyres to the back and vice versa. Doing this will help them last longer. Also, keep a spare tire in your trunk, just in case.
#4. Check the brakes.
The brakes are arguably the most important safety feature on your car. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to stop. So, before heading out on your road trip, ensure they are in good working condition. To check the brakes, press down on the pedal and see how it feels. If it is spongy or soft, there may be a problem with the brake fluid. In this case, you should take your car to a professional to have it checked out.
#5. Check the battery.
You don’t want your car to die in the middle of nowhere, so make sure the battery is in good condition before starting your trip. Then, you can check this or take it to a qualified mechanic.
#6. Check the air conditioning.
If you’re travelling in the summer, you’ll want to use your car’s air conditioning at some point. Ensure the air conditioning is in good working order before your trip. Without it, you could be in for a long, hot, and miserable journey.
#7. Make sure all the lights are working.
This includes the headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Not only is it the law in most states to have functioning lights, but it is also important for safety. No one wants to get pulled over on their road trip!
#8. Pack an emergency kit.
It’s always good to be prepared for any type of situation. Pack a bag with essential items like jumper cables, a first aid kit, flares, and a flashlight. This way, you’ll be prepared if something goes wrong on your trip. Include a list of emergency phone numbers as well. It will be a lifesaver.
#9. Plan your road trip route and make sure you have a map.
Before starting your trip, it’s important to plan your route and make sure you have a map. With preparation, you can avoid getting lost and wasting time (and gas) driving in circles. You can use the navigation system in your car, but you should also have a physical map as a backup.
#10. Tune-up your car.
Before taking your car on a long summer road trip, it’s a good idea to take it for a tune-up. This will help ensure that the car runs smoothly and can prevent problems down the road. Also, inform the mechanic that you’ll be taking a road trip so they can do a thorough inspection.
Additional Tips:
The trip will be more pleasant if your car is clean and organised. For example, wash the windows and vacuum the floors. Take your car to your favourite car wash before you go. Going on a road trip is more fun when the car looks good!
Make sure you have enough gas. It’s always better to fill up before you get low on fuel. This way, you won’t have to worry about running out of gas in the middle of nowhere. Find out where the gas stations are along your route and plan accordingly.
Bring snacks and drinks for the drive, so you don’t have to stop often. This will save you time and money. Also, don’t forget to pack a bag for any clothes or items you might need while on the road. This includes any medications you might need.
Following these simple tips, you can ensure your car is ready for a summer road trip. Taking the time to prepare your car will help you have a safe and enjoyable journey. Get out and explore! Happy travels!