Summer Road Trip: Seven Tips to Get Your Ready on the Highway
With summer just around the corner, thousands of families are expected once again to hit the road for a weekend getaway, far from the stress and worries of everyday life. Summer road trips can be one of the most exciting experiences families and friends could be part of, especially when planned accordingly.
Part of the planning is getting your vehicle road trip-ready to help ensure the safety of everyone during the course of the journey. So what are the essentials that every vehicle owner should carefully keep in mind?
Here are seven tips that will take you to your destination and back to your home safe and sound:
- Clean ‘Em Up – Make sure that you clean your car, truck, or SUV before heading to that summer destination. This doesn’t just mean giving your vehicle a good wash, this also means clearing the interior with all the garbage and other stuff that you can already throw away. This will make more room for you to load up your bags and new items you may take back home.
- Check your car’s battery – Next is you should give your vehicle’s battery a thorough check up. There is no doubt that heat is a nemesis of batteries, as they can drain them faster especially during summer. If you are running on an old battery, it is wise to get it checked before you hit the road.
- Examine your tires – This doesn’t mean checking only your tires’ pressure, but also its overall physical, exterior condition. Look for signs and other marks that scream that you need to replace your old tires. Do you see cracks, blisters, or bulges? These should warn you that your tires are no longer in great condition, especially for long drivers. Likewise, check if you also need to have them aligned.
- Fluids matter – Your vehicle has different types of fluids inside that help run the engine, as well as its other parts smoothly. Before driving, check your car’s oil level, as well as its condition in case you might need a full oil change. Don’t forget to examine the level of your brake fluid too, as well as the wiper fluids the coolant. You wouldn’t want your vehicle to overheat in the middle or the road, do you?
- Brake, brake, brake – Another thing to double-check is the condition of your brakes. Aside from filing up your brake fluids, make sure that the brake pads still have enough to last the long drive. If they are already used up to ¼ inches thick or even less, it’s time to replace them with new ones.
- Belt it up – Don’t take for granted the condition of your vehicle’s belts and hoses. If you are not that familiar in looking for cracks and holes, take your car to the nearest auto shop to have your belts and hoses checked.
- Pack wisely – Lastly, make sure that you have all the necessary tools and spare equipment in case your vehicle requires roadside repair. Fill up your emergency car kit with the essentials like jumper cables, tire gauge, tow rope, duct tapes, and tire sealants. Don’t forget to bring a heavy duty flashlight and some batteries, as well as extra water and a trusty utility knife.