If you’re like many people, your summer just isn’t complete until you’ve gone on a road trip with your friends or family. While road trips are a great chance for fun and adventure, they can quickly turn disastrous if you haven’t taken the time to get your car ready for its long journey.
In addition to planning your route and building the perfect road trip playlist, one of the most important things you can do to ensure a fun road trip is to schedule a few maintenance tasks. Here are some tasks your car needs before you plan your next road trip.
Check Your Oil
Almost every car owner knows the most important maintenance task you can choose to keep your car running well is regular oil changes. Changing your engine oil is particularly important during the hot weather of the summer when your engine will be under much more stress.
If you’re closing in on your recommended oil change date, it’s a good idea to go ahead and get it changed. This will ensure your engine makes it through your road trip unscathed. If it’s not quite time to change your oil, you should still check the levels and top it off if it seems low.
Examine Your Fluids
A big risk during the summer months is having your engine overheat. This is of particular concern when you’re on a road trip that’s taken you far away from home. Before you hit the road, it’s crucial you have your car’s fluid levels checked.
First, make sure you have enough coolant in your system so your engine isn’t at risk of overheating. Second, have your repair technician examine your brake and transmission fluid to see if any needs to be added. Last, top off your wiper fluid just in case. Ensuring you have the correct fluid levels will help your road trip be more successful.
Hoses and Belts
Something many motorists overlook when having their cars inspected before a road trip is checking the belts and hoses. However, this is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your safety while you’re on the road.
Have your car maintenance professional check your hoses, paying special attention for blisters or bulges. If these defects are present, you need to replace your hoses before your trip. You also need to check the integrity of your belts. If there is even a little bit of fraying, you need to purchase new belts before you embark on your journey.
Tires and Brakes
Have your tires and your brake system inspected before your road trip. Check the treads of your tire for wear and tear, and consider having them rotated. You also need to make sure your tires are inflated to the proper levels. This will ensure you have the right level of traction.
Your brake system also needs a thorough inspection. If any repairs are necessary, make sure to schedule them before you even think about a road trip.
Schedule this important maintenance tasks before your next summer road trip so you can have a great time while staying safe.
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