How to Prepare for a Summer Road Trip

December 07, 2017

One of the best parts about the summer time is not just the weather-it is when travel picks up with kids out of school and the masses hit the road for some fun in the sun or to just see the country.

Getting your car ready for the summer road trip takes a little more than just plugging in your destination into your GPS-though that helps! Extreme heat, extended driving, and a variety of road conditions can take a toll on your car.

Luckily, here are recommendations for preparing your car for a trip this summer.

Check your tires.

Are they inflated enough? Are they in good condition? If you have an older or used car, do you have a spare?

Look at your belts & hoses.

Do they look intact and crack-free? Most people don't realize that in newer cars a single belt operates all major components of your vehicle. We're talking your cooling, heating, and power steering, and alternator. If your belt breaks, your road trip will come to an unhappy halt. So if your belt is coming close to the end of its lifespan and you have a big trip coming up, it is a good idea to replace the belt with a new one. You can always save the old belt as a backup for your trip.

Turn on your lights.

With your car's lights, it tends to be out of sight, out of mind - until you get pulled over for a broken tail light. So to avoid any unwanted tickets and ensure safe night driving, check your headlights and tail lights before hitting the road.

Test out your wipers.

Is the rubber intact? Are they squeak-free? Putting on new wipers are an easy DIY project and will make for a safer drive should you hit any rainy patches along the way.

Turn on your A/C.

Do you feel air coming out at the right temperature? Is it noise-free? If not, you may want to have your system checked out. Crammed into a hot car during the summer without air conditioning can turn a fun adventure into a miserable ride.

Clean your car.

Not only will you have peace of mind that your old coffee cups won't roll under your pedals while you are cruising down the interstate, but any additional weight out of the car will help improve gas mileage. So, unless you are road tripping to a golf course, the clubs can stay home.

Map out your route.

Many of us are equipped with GPS to help chart our journey and the exact distance to the next bathroom break. But, sometimes technology fails at the worst times. Having key points mapped out will make for a less stressful trip should your GPS go haywire.

Pack the essentials.

Flashlight, flares, a first-aid kit, car jack, a pair of gloves, paper towels, bottled water, blankets, jumper cables, and a tool kit are all handy items to pack for a road trip and will save a lot of agony should you run into any trouble.

Check your tire pressure often.

Long road trips may take you through a variety of altitudes and climates so it is a good idea to check your tire pressure any time you experience a change in temperature more than 15 degrees. A change in temperature may cause a change in tire pressure so you may need to inflate or deflate your tires throughout your trip.

Safe travels and enjoy your trip!