How to Prepare Your Car For a Long Road Trip

May 12, 2022

Whether you’re planning a long road trip to visit a new destination or just a trip up to the cottage, the last thing you want is an unexpected breakdown. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order and take extra precautions with preventative maintenance to avoid any issues that could ruin your trip. The professionals at Xtreme Tire Garage can make sure your car is prepared for any summer road trip with our maintenance services.

Why Consider Preventative Maintenance Services?

Preventative maintenance not only ensures your car is ready for a long road trip, but it can also provide other important benefits. Having preventative maintenance performed on your vehicle is essential for a several reasons, including:

• Saving you money on larger issues that could arise in the future.
• Helping your vehicle keep its resale value.
• Reducing the risk of breakdown.
• Decreasing stress levels knowing your vehicle will get you where you need to go.
• Helping reduce your environmental impact by extending the life of your vehicle

Things to Check Before You Hit the Road

Tire Condition

Tires are your connection to the road, if they’re in bad shape, everything else is thrown off. Having regular inspections will leave you confident that your tires will be able to take you on a long trip and back. An inspection will ensure your tires don’t have any worn treads or punctures, have been recently balanced and rotated, and are filled at the proper recommended pressure levels. Tires that are over or under inflated can influence your fuel efficiency, so it’s important to check your tire pressure before your trip. Check out our Promotions page to stay up to date on our latest deals!

Oil Change

Oil is the lifeblood of your car, and it needs to be changed regularly to avoid any major issues. Besides having your oil changed every six months or 5,000 kms, it’s a good idea to get an oil change before you go on a long road trip. Also, make sure you check the oil level before you venture out, and consider throwing an extra quart of oil in your trunk just to be safe.

Battery

Your battery is an integral part of your vehicle, so make sure it’s capable of being fully charged and keeping a charge. Make sure that your car’s battery is clean with no corrosion or debris around it. Also, make sure you throw a set of booster cables in your trunk just in case.

Brakes

Driving with low-functioning brakes can be incredibly scary. Have your brakes inspected to make sure that your brake shoes, pads, calipers, rotors, and all other components are in excellent working order. A long road trip can mean a lot of stop-and-go traffic and city driving. Feel confident in your brakes before you leave on your trip.

Cooling System

There is nothing like driving with the windows down on a road trip, but in the middle of a hot summer, your A/C can save you from melting in your seat. Besides keeping you comfortable, your cooling system plays a vital role in the performance of your vehicle. Get your cooling system checked out to confirm that parts like your cooling fan, thermostat, radiator, water pump, and other components are working properly. Consider getting a cooling system flush to help you and your passengers stay cool, while also avoiding costly repairs down the road.

Fuel Economy Tips

Did you know excessive vehicle weight can impact how many miles per gallon (MPG) your using? Packing light and avoiding an overpacked vehicle and excessive weight on top of your car can save you money on gas. If you’d like to know your exact fuel economy, you can use www.fueleconomy.gov to plan your trip and MPG. You should also consider comparing gas prices using a tool like gasbuddy.com to ensure you get the best gas prices on your trip.

Road trips are supposed to be fun and carefree, so make sure you have all these preventative maintenance issues looked at, as well as all other necessary vehicle services done by the experts at Xtreme Tire Garage. Book your appointment today and make sure the only concern on your mind during your road trip is where to go next!