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There’re plenty of things to remember from life’s day-to-day checklist and packing to leave town–from shopping errands to household fixes.
Is your vehicle in tip-top shape for summer roads? From battery and brakes to tires and oil, prevent roadside emergencies with a pre-trip check-up.
Prepare for the road ahead with our summer road trip checklist:
- Do you see any leaks on the driveway? Check all vital fluids: engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Low or dirty fluids can lead to major mechanical issues. Have your local mechanic repair any leaks and top off all fluids so your vehicle runs smoothly. Consider changing the oil before departure, especially if you're approaching the recommended interval.
- Notice any wear spots on your tires (including your spare)? Whether you’re planning a lengthy road trip or a quick weekend getaway, be sure to have your tires (including the spare) inspected to prevent unnecessary blowouts—something you want to avoid when far from home. Check for proper inflation, unusual wear patterns, and adequate tread depth. Uneven wear patterns might indicate alignment issues.
- Any subtle but frequent noises? There may be a problem with your vehicle’s brake pads or rotors. Warning signs that require immediate attention include squealing or grinding noises, vibration when braking, or a soft brake pedal. Worn brake pads or leaky hoses can lead to brake failure particularly when navigating mountainous terrain or hot stop-and-go traffic.
- Is the air flow strong and odorless through cabin vents? Avoid sweaty drives and overheated, irritable passengers this summer. Have your refrigerant levels checked and ensure the system blows out cool air properly. If you notice weak airflow or unusual odors, address these issues with your mechanic before departure.
- Does the temperature gauge stay toward the red? Reduce the risk of your car overheating during long drives by checking for issues with the cooling system, including low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, a broken water pump, a malfunctioning radiator fan, cooling system leaks, or a clogged radiator.
- Notice any change in speed of automatic windows? Hot weather is particularly hard on a vehicle battery and can cause sudden failure far from a repair facility. Take note of little signs like your vehicle having trouble turning over in the morning or your car windows being slow to move up and down. Have your battery tested to ensure it holds a proper charge, and check that terminals are clean and connections are tight.
- See any windshield cracks or chips? Those annoying chips and cracks expand as temperature changes. A one inch crack or small pebble crack can grow several times in size within days. Windshields are an integral part of your vehicle’s safety equipment. Damage to the glass reduces visibility and also the ability of air bags to protect passengers in the event of an accident.
- Do wiper blades skip or scrape? Summer heat can render old blades useless. Prepare for those unexpected summer thunderstorms and dust storms with new wiper blades that improve visibility.
- Have you driven through lots of pollen and dust this past spring? A clogged air filter reduces engine performance and fuel economy over long distances, especially after spring pollen has filled the air. keep your cabin healthier with a new filter for the road.
- Does your vehicle display any unusual noises or warning lights? Small problems can escalate into major mechanical failures when pushed for hundreds of miles. Listen for odd noises, squeaks, squeals and clunks. Then, discuss them with your advisor before leaving town.
- Have you packed an emergency kit? Ensure your car is equipped with essential emergency items: spare tire with jack and wrench, jumper cables, flashlight, basic tools, first-aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, and a portable phone charger. Many of these items can be found at your local automotive retailer or dealership parts department.
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