One of the most important elements of a great road trip is a great vehicle to carry you through your journey. Without the comfort of knowing you have reliable transportation, your road trip won’t get very far.
Before hitting the open road, make sure you’ve done all you can to assure your vehicle is mechanically sound. Take a moment to read through a few tips to help you prepare your vehicle for the next road trip, and enjoy your next exploration.
Change your oil and filter
It’s especially important that you don’t skip this step if you’re going on an extra long road trip. Your engine oil needs refreshing every 3-5,000 miles, and a long road trip can really push your engine over the limit.
It’s best to start fresh. Get your oil changed before you leave town, and know that your engine’s lifeline is flowing smoothly. A comfortable viscosity inside of your engine will extend the functional life of the vehicle.
Check the condition of your tires
Your car’s “shoes” are crucial to the safety of your travel party on a road trip. Check the tread on your tires before you leave. If the tread doesn’t cover the bottom of Lincoln’s head on a penny, then you need to consider purchasing replacement parts for your ride. It’s easier to replace your tires than to have to fix your car after a flat gone wrong.
Check all the fluids in your vehicle
Your vehicle’s engine needs several different special fluids in the right places to keep everything running smoothly. Before you take your vehicle on an extended drive, it’s wise to check on all your fluid levels.
If you take your car for an oil change at a place of business, the technicians will take care of this step for you. Otherwise, you can do it yourself by twisting a few caps and reading a few dipsticks.
Clean the vehicle inside and out
Cleaning your vehicle inside and out is a great way to prepare for a road trip. A fresh beginning will give your travel buddies a more comfortable ride.
Also, a long trip on the highway will make your vehicle dirty. Washing before you leave will keep the grime from layering up on your vehicle’s exterior.
Check the wipers and lights
Check the condition of your windshield wipers before you start your journey. You don’t want to find out you need new wiper blades in the middle of a downpour on the interstate.
Check to make sure all of your vehicle’s signal lights work. Check blinkers, headlights, brake lights, and tail lights to make sure they’re all in working order.
