Getting Your Car Ready for a Road Trip

Getting Your Car Ready for a Road Trip

Summer is the season when some of our country’s favorite traditions take place – baseball, fireworks, backyard barbecues, lemonade stands, summer camp, and of course, road trips. Each year, millions of Americans hit the road for a more budget-friendly way to explore our beautiful nation. Here are a few ways to prepare for any road trip that you take this summer.

Pay a visit to your local repair shop

As the main vehicle of transportation, your car’s health is especially important during a road trip. After all, no one wants to spend a road trip waiting on the side of the highway for a tow truck; and failure to do a proper inspection is asking for this. Whether you’re planning a mini-vacation with your girl friends, a weekend getaway with your significant other, or a new adventure with your family, caring for your car beforehand will allow it to take proper care of you during your trip.

During a checkup, the auto maintenance professional will inspect:

  • Fluid levels: It’s possible that you missed an oil change or two during the winter. Replenishing your car’s lacking fluids will help you avoid going from needing a $30 oil change to replacing your entire engine.
  • Air conditioning: As a modern-day convenience, we take this for granted. But when it isn’t working it can turn your car into a sauna on wheels. The professional will check your car’s refrigerant to make sure that the levels are where they need to be to keep you cool throughout your trip. If they are not, a simple car ac repair will fix the problem.
  • Tires: Blowouts and flats on the road can be scary and are often are not visible right away. A check up will help identify any developing tire issues and will include tire rotation to preserve car alignment.
  • Brakes: Properly working brakes can be the difference between an accident and a close call. During your appointment, you’ll find out whether your breaks are ready to rock and roll or require brake service.
  • Other components of your car that will be inspected are belts and hoses, lights, and battery.

It’s important to schedule your check up at 1-2 weeks before your road trip so that you have enough time for any necessary repairs. Otherwise, you may end up delaying your trip or renting a car to take instead of your own, which would be much more expensive.

Going on a road trip out of Plano or Dallas? Schedule a same-day appointment for your car check-up!

Be prepared for anything

No matter how much time you and your mechanic spend on your car, there is always a possibility that you may still end up experiencing trouble or be involved in an accident. Keep your car equipped with the following items in case of an emergency:

  • your car’s warranty paperwork
  • emergency car service contact information
  • jumper cables
  • gloves
  • gasoline container
  • spare tire
  • flashlight
  • road flares
  • map
  • first aid kit

Getting Your Car Ready for a Road TripOnce your car gets the green light for travel and you’ve prepared yourself for any possible mishaps along the way, you can use the rest of the time to prepare the inside of your car – where you will be for the majority of the road trip. A deep cleaning not only frees up the space inside your car, but it also increases your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

Fill the inside of your car with snacks, games, your favorite music, and anything else that will help make the trip enjoyable for you and your travel partners. The majority of a road trip is spent inside of the car, so include pillows, blankets, and anything else you need to stay comfortable.