5 Ways to Make Sure You’re Ready for Your Summer Road Trip
As the snow melts and the unpredictable driving conditions of winter fade with it, every lover of the open road begins to hear its call once again. For many drivers, the desire is to hop behind the wheel and set off. It’s important to pause and take your vehicle in for a thorough inspection to ensure that you are prepared not only for long trips, but also for summer driving conditions. We’ve put together a list of 5 “must-dos” to get your vehicle road-ready.
Bulk Up Your Brakes
If you’re like me, you probably wait until you hear some noise from your brakes before you go get them changed. Turns out, even minor brake problems can be present long before this point and can lead to serious issues if not taken care of quickly. Your car manual will have a recommendation, but it is best to consult a professional and have a quick inspection to be sure.
Beat the Heat
Summer weather brings with it a new round of breakdowns from overheating. If you haven’t completely flushed and refilled your cooling system in the last two years, you are more than due for a check-up. It is easy to check the levels and condition of your coolant, and if a change is needed a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is recommended for boil-over protection.
Get Ready For Rain
Especially in larger vehicles, the importance of changing your windshield wipers are far too often overlooked. A dirty windshield or wipers that don’t actually wipe are a flat-out safety hazard and can even cause eye fatigue. When driving a larger truck or even ag machinery, something as minor as regularly replacing worn blades can be an absolute lifesaver.
Look at those Levels
Be sure to check all of your fluid levels. If your levels are low or the fluids are dirty, the engine has to work much harder than it needs to. Make a checklist so that you don’t miss anything. That includes your transmission, brakes, window wash, power steering, radiator and oil. It’s a relatively easy process that can end up saving you a bundle down the road.
Your Tires Need a Tune-Up
Regardless of whether you are taking a truck, tractor, RV or passenger car on the road, it is essential to make sure your tires are good to go before hitting the road. Tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles, and even if your vehicle has been sitting in storage tire pressure should be checked to prevent tire failure at high speeds. After the harsh winter weather be sure to have your tire treads examined as well.
Just to be safe, always consult your vehicle maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer. This helps to ensure you’ll always be in the best shape possible for summer driving conditions. While many of your vehicle care items can be done at home, it’s smart to have an expert inspection conducted particularly when it comes to tires.
With more than 30 tire centers in the Midwest, Bauer Built has the experience and the expertise necessary to help you have the summer road trip you’ve always dreamed of. To learn more, visit Bauer Built today!
Categories: Bauer Built Blog, Car Care Tips
