Usually, preparing your car is one of the most important things to consider when you start preparing for a summer road trip. The following checklist will help you avoid skipping some steps as you prepare your car for a summer road trip.
Check the Brakes
You should consider taking your car for brake maintenance if you notice some vibration or grinding sound. At an auto repair, you will have your car inspected for pads, shoes, fluid leakage, drum, and rotors. After inspection, they will advise you if your vehicle requires replacement or repair and the cost of each service.
Check Tires
You should make sure that your car tires are in good condition as they are the only parts touching the ground always. As you plan for a summer road trip, check if your treads are of proper depth for proper grip.
Additionally, ensure that your tires maintain proper pressure. Bear in mind that the correct pressure is listed on the side of your tires, which is usually not the suggested level. Be sure to confirm with the car’s manual to know the suggested pressure. Finally, you can have your spare tire inflated and inspected for any leaks at an expert garage. Proper tire services and spare maintenance will help you and your family avoid wasting some precious time waiting for assistance along the road.
Inspect the Fluid Levels
Top up all fluid levels to ensure that your car is well prepared as you kick off your summer road trip. Ensure it is inspected for brakes and coolant, engine oil, power steering, and transmission fluids. Additionally, be sure to use the correct product, as the manual indicates. However, with the modern car types, their automatic transmissions are usually sealed and do not use a dipstick. Also, the electric power steering may not require fluid. Note that newer car models may have sealed automatic transmissions without a dipstick and electric power steering that may not use fluid.
Check Hoses and Belts
Generally, they recommend that you replace your drive belt after every 60,000 miles. Usually, you might not easily notice any sign of wear with some drive belts or the new multi-rib materials. Check and replace any glazed, frayed, or cracked belts of your car’s air conditioning compressor and alternator. Additionally, check and replace brittle, soft, bulging, worn, or radiator hoses. More so, inspect for radiator, hose clamps, and water pump leaks.
Summer road trips should be fun. To ensure your summer road trip stays that way, take the necessary measures before starting your vacation.
