The summer months are right around the corner and that means making plans for summertime travel. If you are returning to the more traditional means of road travel like many Americans, make sure to plan a thorough servicing of your vehicle in advance of any long trips. Proactively getting your vehicle prepped for travel will help to mitigate many roadside breakdowns as well as keep you and your occupants safe.
Vehicle Preparation Checklist
Here’s our checklist of items to consider when getting your vehicle ready for summer:
Item #1: Tires
Your tires are critical to keeping your vehicle safely planted on the road and going in the right direction. Coming out of winter, your tires were most likely subjected to a lot of unusual road conditions such as snow, ice, pot holes, and road salt.
- Check and fill air pressure, according to manufacturer recommendations
- Inspect tire treads and side-walls for excessive wear and signs of damage
- Replace tires with significant tread wear
Item # 2: Battery
During the winter months, your vehicle’s battery worked overtime to keep your engine starting on those cold mornings. Your vehicle’s battery will also be useful to you in different ways during warmer months.
- Check cable connections to ensure they are secure
- Check for signs of corrosion or dirt on cable connections
- Clean any dirty connections with a baking soda and water solution and a toothbrush
- Test your battery voltage to ensure a proper charge
Item #3: Windshield Wiper Blades
Your windshield wiper blades endure cold weather and harsh winter conditions that can dry and crack the rubber.
- Check for cracks, tears, and wear and replace blades
- Replace rear window blades at the same time you are replacing the front
- Add windshield wiper fluid, if necessary
Item #4: Vehicle Fluids
Your vehicle needs many fluids to keep components lubricated, regulated with temperature, clean, and also functioning properly.
- Check levels on all vehicle fluids, including oil, coolant, transmission and steering, and brakes
- Replenish or replace low fluid levels
- Speak with a service professional at Campus Repair about the need for any fluid flushes that may be necessary
Item # 5: Air Conditioning
There’s nothing worse than having your AC go out on the hottest day of the year.
- Have your AC inspected for leaks and/or component damage or failure
- Replace the air cabin filter, if necessary
Assemble A Vehicle Emergency Kit
If you don’t already have an emergency kit, now is also the time to assemble items that will help you in the event that your vehicle does break down during your summer excursions.
Items to include in your emergency kit might include:
- A first aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Flares or emergency signals
- Flashlight
- Towels or rags
- Basic household tools such as pliers, wrench, and screwdriver
A little pre-travel effort to service your vehicle can go a long way in keeping your vehicle trouble free and your occupants safe while you are on the road during your summer travels.
If you would like to get a full inspection and service of your vehicle, contact the professionals at Campus Repair to schedule an appointment.