Summer is here and so are your summer road trips! Before you hit the road, it’s important to ensure that your car is ready for the journey ahead. Regardless of your destination, taking the extra steps to prepare your car and have your mechanic check it out to get it road-trip-ready will keep you from being stranded on the side of the road on your vacation.

Tires

The only thing between you and the road is your tires. It’s crucial to ensure that your tread is wearing evenly, there’s plenty of the tread remaining, that no road hazards have damaged your tires, and they are filled to the proper pressure. And don’t forget the spare! You never know when a flat tire could create a detour in your route.

Fluids

Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle. Your car has many different fluids ranging from engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid, and of course, your fuel system…just to name a few! It’s important to ensure that those fluids are in excellent shape and that the levels are full. Fluids clean, cool, condition, and lubricate the system, so you don’t want to go without them! Especially on your road trip.

Belts & Hoses

Have your belts and hoses inspected. You’re looking for weakness, cracks, fraying, and the overall condition and age. These belts and hoses are a crucial part of your vehicle's duties. Belts kick-start the alternator and help the water pump, and hoses carry your fluids and gasses like fuel, air, brake fluid, and antifreeze. A good rule of thumb is to change these vital pieces of your vehicle at 100,000 miles or every 10 years. 

You’ve hit a pit stop in our road trip tips! Come back on Tuesday for the rest of the steps you should take in preparing for your vacation.