Ensure your vehicle is Summer road trip-ready by following these tips

Since the summer month is here, many of us will be planning trips, excursions, and vacations. However, on top of seeing that your accommodations and other must-haves are covered, it is also important to ensure that your vehicle is in good shape before hitting the road. 

On that note, here are some simple tips that will help motorists prepare their rides before going on road trips. 

Check vehicle fluids 

Checking one’s automobile fluids prior to heading out can help prevent headaches and unnecessary breakdowns. 

Inspecting the brake fluid, for example, can help ensure that one has ample stopping power when decelerating. Generally, car owners can see the brake fluid canister in the engine bay. Topping up is also relatively easy and straightforward. 

Similarly, a vehicle’s engine oil can be checked and replenished (not changed) without the use of special tools. 

For reference, here are other vehicle fluids one should look at before going on a trip: 

• Coolant
• Transmission fluid 
• Power steering fluid 
• Windshield washer fluid 

Inspect tires 

Checking one’s tires is also important as scanning them can give owners an idea of their pressure and tread life. 

Low tire pressure can affect fuel efficiency and even lower the tire’s life span. While most modern cars come equipped with a built-in tire pressure monitoring system, people who drive older cars can use specialized tools to gauge their tire’s pressure. 

The recommended air pressure can be referenced in the vehicle’s manual. 

On the other hand, poor tread levels can affect handling and even compromise safety. 

Tires with low tread levels usually have reduced traction therefore having an impact on both the car’s acceleration and braking. Most mechanics suggest replacement should the tire’s tread fall below the recommended level. 

Try lights 

For longer drives that would require some wheel time at night, it is important that owners check the lighting setup of their rides. 

A simple flick of the switch can reveal any busted bulb, likewise flipping the stick of the signal lights can show if any of the car’s turn indicators are not working. 

Making sure that all the vehicle’s lights are working properly is imperative as one can be fined for traveling with a broken lamp or worse — get into an accident. 

Bring tools 

Making sure that you travel with some tools is important as it can save you from emergencies. 

As an example, you might encounter a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. Without the right tools, you might need to wait for help to come, which could cost you some time. On that note, having a jack and a lug wrench is an assurance that you can get out of sticky situations. 

Here are other important tools you might want in your travel carry: 

• Early warning device
• Flashlight
• Screwdriver
• Wheel chocks
• Puncture repair kit

Visit a trusted mechanic

Finally, for a holistic checkup, you might want to drop by your trusted mechanic and discuss the distance and terrain you are expecting for your trip.

You might also want to talk about the number of passengers and the amount of pasalubongs you plan to bring home as you might need to change the tire pressure — among others — to match your intended load. 

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