As far as the northern hemisphere is concerned, summer is here. For many folks, especially in the United States, this means going on a road trip.
From weekend getaways to the closest major city to extended adventures spanning the entire country, the itinerary varies, and so does the distance. But one thing all road trips have in common is they all require a reliable automobile.
With this in mind, those planning a road trip this summer need to make sure their vehicle is up to the task. Assuming your car has less than 100,000 miles and is therefore not at risk of parts failure or requiring significant maintenance, the following checklist should ensure your vehicle is ready for a summer road trip:
Tires
The last thing you want is to hit the open road with a bad set of tires. Check the tread and pressure while inspecting each tire for nicks, nails, and any sign of damage. You also want to make sure the spare tire is inflated correctly and all necessary tools are there if you need them. If you have any doubts about the quality of your tires, take your vehicle to a trusted tire specialist and have them do a professional inspection. Get this done with at least a week to spare before leaving town. That way, if replacement tires are required but not readily available, you have time for them to get shipped.
Oil
Another no-no is leaving town with old, dirty oil running through your engine. Unless your last oil change was less than three months ago, make an appointment with your trusted auto mechanic or, if you have the tools and know-how, change the oil yourself. The latter will save money but requires safety and skill to do correctly. Keep in mind that oil changes are done differently for different cars. If you’ve never changed the oil for this specific car, take time to find a YouTube video showing you how step-by-step.
Storage
It might not be one of the things you think about right away, but storage will come to mind as soon as you start jamming suitcases and duffle bags into the trunk and onto the storage rack. Get rid of any unnecessary stuff in the trunk and anywhere else that can be used for storage. It’s also smart to think about what you’re bringing and plan accordingly. For instance, those planning an out-of-state hunting trip will need gun lockers in their vehicles. Finally, factor visibility into the equation; a back windshield blocked by bags might get you pulled over.
Wipers
Winter can be brutal on wiper blades, with wiper fluid getting used frequently to clear dried salt off the windshield. With this in mind, you want to inspect the wiper blades and ensure there’s a sufficient amount of wiper fluid in the tank. That way, you won’t be struggling for visibility when you get caught in the thunderstorm that always happens at least once during every road trip.
Brakes
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: driving with bad brakes is a hazardous, reckless, and potentially dangerous gamble that nobody should ever make. Depending on the type of braking system, brake jobs can be expensive, but it’s a small price to pay when you consider what could happen on the highway if you find yourself unable to stop your car in time.
Air Conditioning
Who wants to spend hours on end in a hot, sticky, smelly car? Nobody. It’s uncomfortable and guaranteed to put everyone in a bad mood. Given the heat of summer, it’s essential to ensure your AC is running fine. If it’s not, the problem could be as simple as a recharge. But if the issue requires an expensive repair to fix, consider footing the bill or finding a different vehicle.
Supplies
A typical road trip involves several people stuck inside a car for extended periods of time. Blankets, pillows, snacks, and bottled water are recommended supplies to bring. Additionally, you’ll want to bring a first aid kit in case of a medical emergency. Summer is the season of road trips. But to make it to your destination, you’ll need a safe and reliable car. You’ll also want to be sane upon arrival. The proper planning and preparation will ensure the road trip this summer goes as smoothly as possible.