Five Tips to Get Your Car Ready for a Summer Road Trip
Five Tips to Get Your Car Ready for a Summer Road Trip
Summer is around the corner, and it’s almost time for your summer road trip! If you’re going to have a long trip, you’ll need to be fully prepared before you hit the road. One of the most important parts of having a great road trip is making sure your car is tip-top shape by taking it to an auto repair shop. One smart tip is to get your car inspected at least one to two weeks before your road trip, so you won’t have to rush if you need to get anything replaced. Get your car’s summer road trip ready by bringing it to Essential Auto Care in Middle Village, New York, for high-quality auto service.
- Get a thorough tire check
- Check all your car’s fluids
- Inspect your engine, transmission, lights, and battery
- Ensure your brakes work properly
- Have a spare tire and car jack
One surefire way to check the tread on your tires is by getting a quarter and putting it upside down in a tread gap of all four tires. If you can see the top of George Washington’s head, you’ll need to get new tires. Be sure to get your tire pressure checked, too, so your tires are strong and stable. Additionally, check-in with your local auto shop to have your wheel alignment checked and tires rotated. Build rapport with a shop, and you might be able to get some tires at a discount!
Take your car to a mechanic at an auto repair shop to check your car’s fluids. You might need to change your motor oil. Checking your brake fluid is also critical for your car’s brakes and everyone’s safety. If the brake fluid is low, you may need new brake pads. Proper coolant levels are also essential because low coolant levels can cause your vehicle to overheat. Even checking your windshield wiper fluids is crucial so you can clean your windshield if anything hits the window during your summer road trip.
Don’t ignore your check engine light before a long road trip. The check engine light could indicate a small issue (like a loose gas cap) or a serious issue (like transmission issues). You also need to make sure your car battery is in good working order. Your battery should get inspected by a mechanic. A mechanic can check your battery’s terminal, clean it, test it, and charge it. Working car lights are also vital when you’re driving in the dark.
If you hit the brakes and your brake pads screech or squeak, you should get your car serviced for brake repair. However, even if you don’t hear a sound, you still might have brake issues, so it’s always good to get them checked. Your pedals also shouldn’t feel too soft or too rigid. Don’t skip on making sure your brakes are in excellent condition.
If you have a long road trip, you might drive through remote areas. You could encounter an unexpected pothole or sharp objects on the road. Even after getting your car serviced for your summer road trip, it’s always good to be safe and have a spare tire and a car jack in your trunk..
Let Us Get Your Car Ready
Visit Essential Auto Care in Middle Village, New York, to get your car ready for a summer road trip. Our ASE-certified team has over 70 years of collective experience. We are well-versed in all current car repair processes, from fixing your brakes, air conditioning, cooling system, and electrical system, to repairing your vehicle’s engine. If you are near the Middle Village area in New York, come visit for our top-tier customer service and visual courtesy inspections we offer to our clients.