Get Your Car Ready – Road Trip Planning Tips

Before you and your family set out on a summer road trip adventure, your car needs to be in tip-top shape and ready to tackle the wide open roads. Road trips are a great way to explore the many interesting and beautiful areas of Ontario or seek out new and exciting adventures across the Canadian landscape. However, you want to make sure that your car has some essential maintenance work done so that you have piece of mind and don’t end up stranded on the side of the road, flagging down cars for help.

Broken Down Car

Road trips can be a serious test of your car’s operating system and even small problems like worn out windshield wipers can cause you a lot of headaches. The most prudent approach is to take precautions ahead of time and take your car into an auto body facility for a service inspection several days before your departure date.

If your car hasn’t been in for service lately, spend a little time to list the parts on your car that you should have a competent mechanic check out to be certain that the vehicle is in perfect working order. By spending a bit of money up front for a good tune-up before you head out, you will avoid major and costly repairs while on vacation.

An auto technician can check over all of the essential fluids and filters to determine whether they need to be changed or topped up to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. You want to be certain that there is always enough juice so that the car can function flawlessly. Here is the list of fluids that should be checked out:

  • Engine oil
  • Transmission fluid
  • Gasoline
  • Antifreeze/coolant
  • Radiator coolant
  • Brake fluid
  • Windshield washer fluid
  • Power steering fluid

The inspection should also include an examination of any hoses or belt that might need to be replaced.

Tires:

You also want to have a look at your tire pressure so that all four tires are inflated to the recommended guidelines set out in the manufacturer’s manual. Make certain that there are no bulges or cracks in any tire and examine the tread of the tires for excessive wear.  A wheel alignment is also a good idea so that you’re steady on the road and in control of your vehicle.

AC:

Nothing is worse than having your air conditioning not functioning properly in sizzling summer temperatures while in a car, so get the system blasted out before you start your trip. Be sure it is running properly and the refrigerant is pumping out the appropriate amount of cool air.

Brakes:

Have your mechanic check for any unusual sounds coming from the brakes, like squeaking or scraping noises. If there are any burnt odours or your foot can press the pedal all the way to the floor, this means it’s time to replace the brake pads.

Windshield Wipers:

If your wipers are starting to show signs of aging by not clearing off debris completely and leaving streaks on the glass, have a new set installed to assure safe visibility while traveling.

Lights:

Take a stroll around the car to make sure your headlights, blinkers, brake lights, hazard lights and reverse lights are all in working order and replace any burnt out bulbs if required.

Clean and wash:

Get the inside of your car cleaned out and ready for the essentials that you will be packing for your trip. Take a trip to the carwash so you and your family can set off on the journey with a clean and polished car.

Be prepared:

If you take the time to have your car serviced before setting out on the big adventure, you’ll feel confident knowing that your car is in great shape and ready for the road trip ahead. Enjoy!

Contact us for any more information on road trip preparations and one of specialist will be more than happy to answer your questions.