Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Summer

It’s time to get ready for all those summer adventures: road trips, camping, and exploration. You have a plan, you’ve made all the reservation, and you have a prep checklist all ready to go. Have you remember to include car maintenance and prep as well?

Emergency Supplies

If you don’t already have an emergency roadside kit in the trunk, it’s time to pick one up. The good news is that these are affordable, easy to find, and include everything you need if things go sideways on your adventures.

Car Maintenance List

Is your car in tip-top shape and ready to brave the road and elements? Here are things to check before you head out:

1) Tires – Make sure all four tires are in good condition and, if you have a spare, you should inspect it as well. Once the tires have cooled and the car has been idle for some time, check their pressure. You should inflate your vehicle to the recommended pressure recommended by the manufacturer.

2) Battery – Clean, tighten, and secure the cable connections on the car battery. Take it to a car parts store that is willing to test the battery to check its capacity and functionality.

3) Brakes – Check your brakes if you hear grinding or feel vibrations when applying the brakes. A brake inspection is recommended if you hear or feel a grinding sound when applying your brakes. A technician will inspect the brake system for fluid leaks, as well as the pads, rotors, shoes, and drums.

4) Fluids – Check that engine oil, coolant and brake, transmission and power steering fluids are at the correct levels for safe vehicle operation. When adding fluids, use products that meet the specifications listed in the owner’s manual. Don’t forget the windshield wiper fluid!

If your concerns go beyond this list, or your car is due for a tune-up, don’t wait until after your trip to get this done. Prioritize this work  before heading out and you can leave all your vehicle worries and concerns at home, where they belong.

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