Summer is here, and you know what that means – we’re all ready for a fun vacation! Before you head out on a long road trip, make sure your car is ready for the adventure with this checklist!
If your car is displaying any warning signals on the dashboard, make sure to address those first. This can include issues with the car engine, tire pressure, or car battery. You should also consider taking your car in for a routine maintenance check, where professionals can highlight any concerns. Regardless, here are some important things to check on before hitting the road!
Car Battery & Engine
Without these two running smoothly, you won’t be able to go anywhere, so make sure they are in great shape before heading out. You don’t want to get stuck in a new town, without any idea of where to get your vehicle fixed ASAP!
Tires
Making sure your tires are ready for the road is very important! You’ll want to make sure your tire alignment, tire tread, and tire pressure are all in good condition! You can visit your local mechanic shop to get them all checked, or do it yourself.
Follow this simple penny test to assess your tread and determine any other issues with your tires! You can also find more information about the correct tire pressure from your vehicle or online.
Brakes
You don’t want to get stuck in an accident during your road trip, so make sure your brakes & brake pads are in good condition to withstand all the driving. You will also want to check on the brake fluid to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Fluids
While you’re checking on the brake fluid, you might as well check on some others, including engine coolant, engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and washer fluid. This will help you avoid any unexpected issues and stops along the way!
Personal items
Especially for a long drive, it would be smart to stock up the car with some essentials. You can dedicate a portion of your trunk space to these items, including some water bottles, snacks, a first aid kit, and some blankets. Having these items on hand can be lifesavers during an emergency!
Safety & repair tools
With increased accidents during the summer, keeping some safety tools, like our resqme®, in the car can make all the difference! You might also want to keep some repair tools, such as some screwdrivers, sockets, and wrenches in case you’re in a situation that needs some maintenance.
With all this squared away, you’ll be ready to hit the road and start your adventure with peace of mind! Remember to practice safe driving and enjoy the journey! 
