How to Prep Your Car for a Summer Road Trip

Many Americans ring in the warm weather season by embarking on summer road trips to various destinations. Whether it’s to visit family, see a new city or tour a national park, there’s one thing that everyone should do prior to departing; perform preventative car maintenance! Failure to do so could quickly derail the fun and excitement of hitting the open road with your friends or family.

If you are asking yourself, “Is my car ready for a road trip?” Here is a checklist of what you need to do before hitting the pavement this summer.

If you’re looking for a new or used Toyota then visit us today at East Coast Toyota, and if your Toyota needs service then stop by the East Coast Toyota Service Center.

Prepping for a Summer Road Trip: What You Need to Know

Start with an Oil Change

Be sure to time your next oil change so that you get this taken care of right before your trip. Regular oil changes are imperative to the overall health of your vehicle’s engine, and it’s always good to check this off the list prior to that big summer road trip. Make sure you check with your mechanic to see what type of oil they recommend for your vehicle based on its mileage and your driving habits.

Check the Battery

The average life of a vehicle battery is only about three years. Noting this, if you’re heading off for a road trip on a bad battery, chances are you’re not going to get very far before you start encountering issues. If it goes completely dead, your car is not going to start. Batteries are easy to test and it is worth doing so prior to your road trip for peace of mind. If you get your battery tested and it needs to be replaced, then it’s something that you can easily take care of before you put rubber on the pavement.

Inspect Belts and Hoses

We also suggest having a mechanic perform a multi-point inspection before you embark on your road trip. When they do, they’ll likely get a good look at the belts and hoses — components that are a bit more discreet. If any parts appear worn or damaged, it’s best to get them replaced rather than risk issues on the road.

Don’t Forget the Brakes

As part of any multi-point inspection, a mechanic should also check your brakes for pad wear. Of course, if you notice any grinding, screeching or delay in stopping when you apply the brakes, you should also be taking note and having these issues addressed as well.

Other Considerations

There are various other more minor vehicle components that can make a big difference on a summer road trip drive. For instance, are your windshield wipers adequately removing rain from your windshield or leaving streaks? If it’s the latter, consider a replacement. Consider picking up some extra bulbs for your headlights, brake lights and turn signals. Just in case of an emergency, we advise you to purchase a roadside emergency kit, some basic tools and a small gas can. And last but not least — don’t forget to check the condition of your spare tire!

Takeaways

• The best way to prepare your vehicle for a summer road trip is to be as proactive as possible.
• Take your vehicle in for a multi-point inspection and address any issues accordingly.
• Change the oil and rotate the tires (if necessary) before you depart.
• Have emergency supplies and basic tools on hand.
• Check the condition of your spare tire.

Contact East Coast Toyota Today

For more information on proactive maintenance and to schedule your tune-up to ensure your summer road trip is a success, contact East Coast Toyota today.