Summer is here, and we know you’re ready for a road trip! Before you head out on the highway, there are a few things you’re going to want to do to prep your vehicle for your summer road trip. Use this guide to ensure your vehicle is primed and ready to roll so you can focus on fun while you’re on your trip!
As soon as you begin to plan your summer road trip, you’ll want to schedule any routine maintenance your vehicle may need. This includes getting your oil changed, which is typically necessary at about every 5,000 miles depending on your vehicle and the type of oil you use, and having your tires balanced and rotated. You’ll also want to get the air filter changed along with the spark plugs if it’s been a while since you last had them replaced. If your vehicle has any warning lights on, before a long trip is a good time to have them checked out.
Having emergency supplies in your car is always a good idea, but this becomes more so if you’re going on a road trip. An extra supply of water is the number one emergency supply you can have on hand. If you were to break down or get stuck in traffic for any length of time, you’ll be grateful to have water. A first aid kit is another handy thing to have on a road trip. It should include basic supplies such as bandages, insect repellent, pain relief tablets, and tweezers, along with anything else you might need.
Getting behind the wheel of a clean car makes it feel new again, which is a great way to start off a road trip. Empty all the trash, wipe down surfaces, vacuum the upholstery, wash the windows; these are just a few of the things you can do to get your car prepped for your summer road trip.
Additionally, you’ll want to give the outside a thorough cleaning. It’s likely that, unless you just washed it, your car has dirt, bugs, and other road grime on its surface. If you wash it before heading off on your adventure, you won’t compound the dirt, and it will be easier to wash when you get home.
Prior to pulling out of the driveway and heading off on your summer road trip, make sure you do a final inspection of your vehicle. This inspection should include checking all your fluids like the oil, windshield washer, transmission, brake, and power steering. You’ll also need to check the pressure in your tires and do a visual inspection to ensure they have the proper amount of tread and aren’t showing signs of damage. This will not only help to keep you safe as you travel, but it will also help with your car’s fuel economy.
Make sure your vehicle is prepared for a summer road trip by doing the things on this list. If you don’t feel your current vehicle is up for the journey you have planned, check out the selection of new and used cars, trucks, and SUVs we have at Priority Toyota of Hampton!
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