How to Prepare Your Car for Summer Road Trips

June 29, 2020

Now more than ever, getting into your vehicle with some friends or family for a road trip is something we can look forward to and could definitely use after being home bound over the past few months. But before you hit the road for an adventure, you need to ensure your vehicle is in great working order and can handle the stress of a long trip up to cottage country or to visit relatives. With some preventative maintenance done by the professionals at Xtreme Tire Garage, you can feel confident in getting to and from wherever the road takes you.

The Benefits of Preventative Maintenance
Having preventative maintenance performed on your vehicle is essential for a variety of reasons, including:

• Saving you money on larger issues that could arise in the future
• Helping your vehicle keep its resale value
• Reducing the risk of breakdown
• Decreasing stress levels knowing your vehicle will get you where you need to go
• Helping reduce your environmental impact by extending the life of your vehicle

Things to Check Before You Hit the Road

Tire Maintenance

Tires are your connection to the road, if they’re in bad shape, everything else is thrown off. Have confidence in your tires with an inspection. An inspection will ensure your tires don’t have any worn treads or punctures, have been recently balanced and rotated, and are filled at the proper recommended pressure levels. Check out our Promotions page to stay up to date on our latest deals!

Oil Change

Oil is the lifeblood of your car, and it needs to be changed regularly to avoid any major issues. Besides having your oil changed every six months or 5,000 kms, it’s a good idea to get an oil change before you go on a long road trip. Also, make sure you check the oil level before you venture out, and consider throwing an extra quart of oil in your trunk just to be safe.

Battery

Your battery is an integral part of your vehicle, so make sure it’s capable of being fully charged and keeping a charge. Make sure that your car’s battery is clean with no corrosion or debris around it. Also, make sure you throw a set of booster cables in your trunk just in case.

Brakes

Driving with low-functioning brakes can be incredibly scary. Have your brakes inspected to make sure that your brake shoes, pads, calipers, rotors, and all other components are in excellent working order. A long road trip can mean a lot of stop-and-go traffic and city driving. Feel confident in your brakes before you leave on your trip.

Cooling System

There is nothing like driving with the windows down on a road trip, but in the middle of a hot summer, your A/C can save you from melting in your seat. Besides keeping you comfortable, your cooling system plays a vital role in the performance of your vehicle. Get your cooling system checked out to confirm that parts like your cooling fan, thermostat, radiator, water pump, and other components are working properly. Consider getting a cooling system flush to help you and your passengers stay cool, while also avoiding costly repairs down the road.

Road trips are supposed to be fun and carefree, so make sure you have all of these preventative maintenance issues looked at, as well as all other vehicle services done by the experts at Xtreme Tire Garage. Book your appointment today, and make the only concern on your road trip be which amazing place are you driving to next.