Car Care 101: How To Prepare For Your Summer Road Trip

July 12, 2017

Summer is here… and that means road trips! Whether you’re taking weekend drives up to the cottage with your family or planning a multi-stop tour along the coast, it’s important to do some car care and take preventative measures to help ensure your safety while on the road.   While some car problems can occur in spite of being proactive, following these car care tips can help reduce the likelihood of any unexpected breakdowns that can make your vacation go awry. Remember that while road trips are generally enjoyable and fun experiences, they often take a toll on your car. So it’s important to perform the proper maintenance on your vehicle beforehand.   Before you set out on your next journey, follow these simple car care tips to ensure your family is prepared for your summer road trip:  

Check the battery

  If you haven’t had your battery checked recently, doing so before you hit the road is definitely a good call. Your mechanic will clean out your battery terminals to remove any debris or buildup that could interfere with performance and ensure it’s running correctly. It’s also wise to always keep jumper cables in your vehicle to prevent getting stuck in the event of a dead battery or any unforeseen trouble.  

Don’t overload your vehicle

  Many people don’t recognize the dangers of over packing their cars. If you tend to load your car up with heaps of baggage, supplies, bicycles, or other equipment during your road trips – think again! This is especially important if you are also carrying things on the roof of your car, as the extra weight puts a serious strain on your tires and suspension. Furthermore, it puts you at risk for tipping over since it makes the car more difficult to maneuver in emergency situations. To ensure you’re within the recommended guidelines, check the owner’s manual or door jam to find out the maximum load capacity of your vehicle. It’s also important to keep in mind that heavy cargo reduces your fuel economy. If you’re not using your roof rack, consider removing it as it significantly increases your load.  

Inspect your tires

  Driving for long periods on remote, country roads can cause some serious wear to your tires. Be sure to check that your tires are properly inflated beforehand, and your tire pressure matches what’s displayed in your owner’s manual. It’s also important to inspect your tires for excessive wear or any bulges on the side wall. If you do find something, take your car into the mechanic to avoid a dangerous tire blowout during your road trip.  

Schedule a checkup

  Ultimately, taking your car into your local auto shop for a comprehensive checkup is your safest option before heading on a road trip that is particularly lengthy. A professional mechanic will run a thorough inspection on your car to ensure everything from your brake pads to your windshield wipers are working correctly. They’ll also perform any routine maintenance that might be necessary, such as tire rotations and oil changes. This ensures your car is in good shape and any mechanical issues are caught beforehand, so you have a better chance of avoiding any mishaps during your journey.   If you live in the Mississauga area, trust Xtreme Tire Garage for all your car care, repair, and maintenance needs. Keep in mind it’s always better to take preventative measures rather than deal with major problems, so you can help ensure your family is safe during your summer road trips. Contact us to book an appointment or call us at 877-274-8008 for an estimate.