Summer Road Trip Car Care Tips

Summer is a great time to hit the road with your family or friends and take a much-needed vacation. Whether you’re taking a cross-country family trip to Walley World or a day trip with friends to enjoy the weather, there are a few things you should do to prepare your vehicle for the journey.

There are plenty of things you can check yourself, but a quick trip to your local mechanic can also get the job done. The hot weather can be difficult on your vehicle and presents a different set of challenges than snow and winter storms.

The following tips can help reduce your chances of any breakdowns or car troubles so you can enjoy your road trip safely.

Oil

Oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine and should be treated as such. It’s pretty easy to check your vehicle’s oil level to make sure it has enough to perform well. If you’re getting close to needing an oil change you should have that done before your road trip. Don’t forget to add the miles you’ll be traveling to your current odometer reading and see if you’re due for an oil change. Synthetic oil such as Mobil1, Valvoline Max Life, or Castrol Edge is recommended for optimal performance.

Tires

Your vehicle’s tires are constantly in contact with the road which means they need to be in tip-top shape. Check the tread and air pressure for all four tires to make sure they are properly inflated and road ready. If need be, have your tires rotated or replaced before hitting the road.

Battery and Hoses

If your battery dies you’ll surely be stuck, so be sure it has clean terminals and isn’t too old. You can clean your battery’s terminals by using water mixed with a little baking soda. If you’re due for a new battery, don’t put it off. You should also check to be sure that all the vehicle’s hoses and belts are tightly secured.

Fluids

There are a number of fluids that are crucial to the performance of your vehicle. Be sure to check them all and top them off if necessary.

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

Other Important Tips

• Be sure to have your brakes checked out
• Test your headlights, high beams, turn signals, and interior lighting
• Check that windshield wipers are working properly

Preparing Your Vehicle for a Road Trip in Michigan

Fast Eddie’s Wash & Lube is the place to go if you need an oil change or other preventative maintenance service. We have multiple locations to serve you in the Lansing and thumb region of Michigan.