Summer Road Trip? Be Road-Ready With These Summer Road Trip Tips

Summer is a great time to hit the road, explore new areas, and spend time with loved ones.  But nothing can ruin a fun time more than a broken-down vehicle that leaves you stranded and dealing with issues for hours.  To avoid complications on the road this summer, here are few important summer road trip tips from Richard Chevrolet.

5 Summer Road Trip Tips

1. Check Your Tires – Two important things to look at when it comes to your tires are the tread and the pressure. Before leaving for a summer road trip, look at each tire to make sure they do not have any obvious defects or nails embedded in them.  Be sure that the tires are not worn out and that there is still enough tread.  A quick test is to stick a penny with Lincoln’s head facing you into the tread. If you can’t see Lincoln’s head then the tread is deep enough.  Tread is important for traction and therefore a serious safety consideration.                                                                                                                                                         Tire pressure is important to not only avoid getting a flat tire, but because underinflated tires can waste gas.  Check your owner’s manual for what the optimal tire pressure should be for your vehicle and ensure your tires are properly inflated before leaving on your summer road trip.
2. Check Your Lights – It seems like an obvious reminder, but it is an important one.  Be sure all your lights are functioning properly including headlights, taillights, signal lights, and lane change alert lights.
3. Check Your Fluids – There are 6 fluids that are very important to the functioning of your vehicle. Before heading out on the road be sure to check your oil. Oil keeps the motor lubricated and most modern cars should have an oil change every 5,000-7,500 miles.  If you are not sure if your oil should be changed, check to make sure it is not black or gritty. Radiator fluids keep your engine cool, so check to be sure you have enough radiator fluids for your journey to avoid overheating your engine. Brake fluids ensure that your brakes function properly.  If your brakes do not feel right or they feel spongy when you press down on them, there may be an issue with the brake fluid and you should have that checked by a professional before you travel. Power steering fluids should be changed about every 50,000 miles.  It helps make your steering easy and responsive at all speeds.Transmission fluids help your vehicle run smoothly.  If you suspect that your vehicle is jerking or not riding properly, you should check your transmission fluids with a professional.

   Windshield washer fluids are important on long trips because your windshield can get very dirty and making it difficult to see out of on the road.  Be sure you have enough washer fluid and that your wipers are in good condition to keep your window clear.

4. Test Your Brakes – Be sure before you leave that your brakes feel and work well. Listen for grinding or squeaking sounds, and be sure you do not feel any vibrations when you apply your brakes.  If you have any reason to think your brakes are compromised, visit a certified professional to have them checked before you travel.
5. Check Your Air Filter – The air filter prevents dust, dirt, debris, and bugs from getting into your engine and cabin. The filter can get clogged and effect engine performance and air quality.  Each filter usually lasts for a maximum of 15,000 miles, so if you haven’t checked your filter recently, be sure it is clear for your summer road trip.  Being on the road for extended periods of time can be a dirty situation, and your car needs to be ready to handle it.

Richard Chevrolet hopes that you follow these summer road trip tips, travel safely, and enjoy all of your summertime adventures!

If you are concerned about the condition of your vehicle and would like to have it serviced, Click Here to schedule an appointment with our service department.

Don’t forget to Get Social with Richard Chevy and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @richardchevy!