The summer is finally here and we couldn’t be more excited to hit the open road. Since the quarantine is still going on, one of the only things that we are allowed to do is to take a road trip to somewhere remote. You could book a campground for the weekend or just drive as far as you can before turning back home. No matter what your plans are, you must ensure three things: your health, your vehicle’s maintenance and having an emergency kit if you happen to break down during your journey.
The following blog is a checklist of things you need to ensure you follow before you set out for your road trip to keep yourself and passengers safe.
Checklist for your Vehicle’s Maintenance
Ensure Your Fluids Are Topped Up
The first thing you need to check is the fluid in your car. This includes the oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, radiator fluid, windshield washing fluid, and transmission fluid. If you are not sure how to change or top up your fluid, don’t worry! Come into Cars R Us and we will take care of all of your car needs before your big trip.
Inspect Your Tires
Your tires are an important part of your car when it comes to road trips. If they are worn down or lack the proper air levels, you won’t be able to get too far. Before you pack, check your tires’ treads to ensure they are not worn down and use an air pressure gauge to check the level of air in each tire. Here is a professional tip! If you haven’t got your tires rotated in a while, bring your vehicle into Cars R Us for a rotation as this will help your tires wear down evenly, which is important to extend the lifespan of your tires.
Check Your Air Filter
Dust and debris can clog your air filter, and if you don’t change it regularly, it can affect your fuel economy and your engine’s performance. If your filter is really dirty, it’s a sign that you need to change it immediately.
Test Your Battery
Much like your tires, if you have a faulty battery, you won’t be driving too far without a breakdown. Check your battery for corrosion or bring it to Cars R Us for a full inspection, including a test for output voltage.
Test Your Brakes
Before you hit the highway, check the integrity of your brakes. Drive down residential roads with the radio off then apply the brakes. Check for any scraping sounds and how long it takes to complete a full stop. If you have any worries, bring your car into Cars R Us for a brake replacement.
Emergency Kit Checklist
Before you load up the car with snacks and entertainment, make sure you pack the essentials first. Here is a list of things that you should always have in your car, but especially when embarking on a long trip:
- Tire Repair Kit and Spare Tire
- Jumper Cables
- Blankets
- Water
- First-aid Kit
- Non-perishable Snacks
- Flashlight
- Lighter or Matches
The team at Cars R Us wishes you a safe and fun summer! We are happy to give your vehicle a tune-up before hitting the road to unwind and destress!
