We’re still in the middle of spring but the summer heat is already palpable. Before the world gets completely sun-drenched and the high season begins, it is best to start planning your road trip now. While you’re at it, consider getting your car ready as early as possible. Whether it’s your own car or a car rental from Covington, LA dealerships, an early tune-up helps identify issues that can potentially ruin your travel, or worse, cause an accident. Here’s a simple guide to getting your car ready for a summer road trip.
Replace the wiper blades and clean the windows
Summer brings about not just scorching sunny days, but a lot of rain as well. You don’t want your view of the road obscured by heavy downpour. Brand new wiper blades can be your lifesaver in this situation. Make sure to wipe your windows clean as well. Stains and patches can also block your view as well as make your vehicle look unkempt. Wipe all the glass windows clean to get a clear view of the road and the scenery before you take to the road.
Change and top up the fluids
Whether it’s your own car or a car rental from Baton Rouge, Louisiana dealers, make sure to check the fluids before you depart. Different types of fluids keep the system working optimally, including engine oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, and brake fluid. Check if your vehicle has enough of each of these fluids to last throughout your trip. Additionally, check if the motor oil is not too old to cause overheating or affect engine performance. It is best to change the oil, especially if your car has already reached 3,000 miles.
Replace the tires and fix their alignment
You need tires with deep treads if you’re going on a road trip. Using old, worn down tires is a prelude to an accident or at least a long setback in your journey. Don’t take these possibilities lightly. Make sure all your tires are in perfect shape and with enough pressure before hitting the road. Check the alignment as well because this can lead to an accident. If you feel like it’s harder to steer to your desired direction, it can mean that the tires are misaligned. Have it checked by a trusted mechanic to be safe.
Brakes should be more than 50 percent
One of the scariest moments in the life of any driver is when their brakes don’t work while they’re moving at 80 mph on the freeway. Don’t ever risk being in that situation and have those brakes replaced if they are not over 50 percent efficient. Make sure all the tubes are not damaged, so you won’t lose brake fluid along the way.
Send it to a service center for a professional tune-up
If you are not confident with your own knowledge and skill in inspecting and maintaining your car, you always have the option to bring it to a service center where it can be looked at by a pro. It might cost you a pretty penny compared to checking it yourself but considering it can save you thousands of dollars in hospital bills and repair in the long run, it’s worth it.
Being prepared is always better than taking chances. Especially if you are going on a road trip, getting your car ready can be a matter of life and death. Plus, you get to make the most of your trip because you don’t have to deal with a broken engine or busted tire. Check out Baldwin Subaru for more helpful tips.
