As Memorial Day approaches, many drivers will be hitting the road to kick off their summer vacation travel. Whether you are taking a full-blown “Wallyworld” excursion or just a hop to a neighboring state or town, getting your vehicle serviced for long distance travel should be an important task on your preparation checklist. This is especially important if your driving habits have slowed down a bit over the last year. A pre-travel service check-up not only keeps your vehicle running smoothly from possible breakdowns, it ensures the safety of you and your passengers.
In this blog, we cover key service items to consider in preparing your vehicle for your summertime travels.
Fluids
Make sure that the vital fluids in your vehicle are at proper levels.
These vital fluids include:
- Engine oil
- Radiator fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Brake and power steering fluids
- Windshield wiper fluid
If some of your fluid checks reveal excessively dirty or grungy fluid, then consider doing a full replacement. Some fluids may require a professional flush to replace them and perform other diagnostic procedures.
Wipers
Summertime travel may include driving through difficult weather conditions like heavy rain and thunderstorms. It’s important to maintain proper visibility in these driving situations. Winter weather can really impact the quality of your wiper blades so inspect your wiper blades for cracking and wear. Replace the blades if they show any signs of damage. And of course, don’t forget to replace any rear-window blades too!
Tires
The quality of your tires is very important to your overall driving safety. Check the air pressure on each tire and make pressure adjustments for warmer weather, according to your tire manufacturer. While checking the air pressure, examine the tire treads for wear. If the treads are worn, cracked, or damaged, consider having them looked at by a professional. If replacing any tires, it may be a good time for an alignment and rotation. Alignments and rotations help to minimize unnecessary wear and extend the life of your tires.
Battery
Keeping your battery well-maintained is a simple task. Check the terminals for proper connection. Keep your connections clean from corrosion and dirt by cleaning them with a simple water and baking soda solution. If you can get your battery voltage checked by a professional, this can indicate if there are any charging issues and you may potentially avoid a dead battery.
Air Conditioning
If your vehicle is blowing air but it is not cool, this may signal a problem with your compressor or even a clogged air filter. Have your air conditioning inspected for leaks or part failure, and make sure to get your air cabin filter replaced if it is dirty.
If you proactively address your vehicle’s major components, you will have a better chance of enjoying your summer travels stress-free of any breakdowns. But there is never any way to completely avoid a breakdown, so make sure you are prepared with an Emergency Roadside Kit. Items that you will want to include in an emergency kit may include:
- Water and a rag
- Basic tools like a wrench and screwdriver
- Flashlight
- Air pressure gauge
- Jumper cables
- First aid kit
- Roadside flares and signs
If you would like to have your vehicle inspected and serviced in preparation for your road trip, give the service professionals a call at Colonial Service Station to schedule an appointment.
Enjoy your summer travels and stay safe!