Road trip season is in full swing. Is your car ready? Whether you’re just headed a couple hours away or a couple states, it’s a good idea to make sure your car is ready to go. Think back over how recently you’ve had certain car maintenance services done and take time to do at-home checks, too. Being proactive about car care ahead of a road trip can potentially save you from a breakdown.
Take Time for Car Maintenance at Home
Some road trip preparation can be done easily at home. No matter your experience level with car care, there are a few car care tasks you should check and take care of if necessary before heading out on a summer road trip.
Look at Fluid Levels
Your car uses a number of fluids to keep systems and parts operational. Some of them are easy for you to check and monitor, including your engine oil and coolant. Both have a big impact on the health of your car, especially when driving for extended periods of time. Ensure both fluids are at adequate levels. Both low engine oil and low coolant can lead to overheating, which can cause engine failure. On long drives, a well-operating cooling system is necessary to keep your engine and transmission at healthy operating temperatures.
Ensure Adequate Tire Pressure and Tread
Don’t neglect your tires. Most modern cars have tire pressure monitors that will tell you when you need to add or remove air for optimal pressure. However, if your car doesn’t have that feature, it’s a good idea to check regularly. Tire tread is also how your car maintains contact with the road and if it becomes too worn, you won’t be able to get enough traction. This becomes even more important if you hit bad weather and wet roads.
Replace Your Wiper Blades
Have a streaky windshield? It’s likely you need new windshield wiper blades. About once or twice a year, they’ll have to be replaced and you can tell when it’s time by the streaks they start leaving behind. If you’ve started noticing streaks, take a few minutes to swap out your wiper blades before you head out on a road trip, so you can be sure you’ll have adequate visibility, even in stormy weather.
Prep an Emergency Kit
Always be prepared. While emergency kits are more commonly thought of in the winter, they can still come in handy on summer road trips. If your car breaks down on a remote road or long stretch of highway outside of a city, you may have to wait a while before help or a tow truck arrives. Include things like jumper cables, flashlights, water bottles, and non-perishable snacks.
Have a Mechanic Do an Inspection and Maintenance Services
Certain car maintenance tasks are best left to a mechanic. Consider these few car care services, especially if you’re planning to hit the road this summer. Not only do they keep your car in good condition overall, but they can also catch major auto repairs before they lead to a car breakdown on the open road.
When was Your Last Oil Change?
Think back to the last time you got an oil change for your car. If it was more than six months ago or you’ve driven more than 5,000 miles, consider scheduling one ahead of your road trip. Many modern cars can go longer in between oil changes now, with improvements in car systems and engine oil options. However, having an oil change a little earlier than necessary won’t cause any problems and could help prevent engine trouble.
Test the Battery
Head to a mechanic or auto repair shop to have your battery tested. If you’ve already noticed signs of a wearing-out battery or you know you’ve had the same battery for a long time, you may want to go ahead and have it replaced. And regardless, it’s a good idea to always have jumper cables on hand in case you do run into trouble with your car’s battery.
Service the Cooling System
Your car’s cooling system is responsible for keeping your engine at a healthy operating temperature, even when driving for long periods of time. To do this, it relies on coolant, a fluid that circulates through the engine, to the radiator to cool, then back to the engine. You’ll need to have coolant replaced regularly, as well as having other parts of the system checked to prevent your car’s engine from overheating.
Take a Look at Belts and Hoses
Don’t be caught off guard by a broken belt on a road trip. Not only will it stop you in your tracks, but it can also cause serious engine or transmission problems. Have a mechanic check to make sure no belts or hoses are over-worn before you take off on a road trip this summer.
Hitting the Open Road? Stop By Your Nearest AAMCO First
For the most reliable auto repair in MN, come to the mechanics at your local AAMCO location. Our Vehicle Courtesy Check is a free multi-point inspection of the major systems of your car and will help will ensure all key components in your vehicle are still operating their best, reducing your chances of car trouble on a road trip.
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