Summer Road Trip Maintenance Checklist
Before you set out on your next summer road trip, ensure your vehicle is up for the task. Top up fluids, check tires and brakes, inspect the electrical systems, ensure the AC is working, and pack an emergency kit. The very last thing you want is to find yourself stranded on the side of the highway, dealing with a preventable issue. Thankfully, our service team here at Hinton Dodge Chrysler has your back! Continue reading to check out our checklist of all the key maintenance you should do before your next summer adventure.
You May Also Like:
1. Top Up Essential Fluids
Oil changes are a regular part of vehicle maintenance, and you should ensure you’ve had one recently before you set out. You should consider getting all of your fluids checked at the same time, including coolants, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
2. Check Tires and Brakes
Make sure your tires are in good condition, have them topped up to their recommended PSI, and make sure there aren’t any obvious problems with them. You might consider a rotation if you didn’t get one when your seasonal tires were swapped out. Also, make sure your spare is inflated and ready for an emergency! Don’t forget to get the brakes checked for any signs of problems, especially loud noises when you hit the brakes or a spongy feeling brake pedal.
3. Inspect Electrical Systems
Get your battery checked, especially if it’s more than three years old, to see if it’s still holding a charge properly. You can also often see visual indicators of a battery issue just by looking at it, such as swelling, corrosion or leaking. Once you’re sure the battery is okay, also take a moment to check the lighting to ensure your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights and hazard lights are all working as expected. There are many jurisdictions in Canada where it’s illegal to drive with burnt-out headlights.
4. Ensure AC is Working
A hot summer drive shouldn’t be a drag, so ensure your AC system is working properly before you set out. This includes giving the vents a quick cleaning. You should also consider giving the interior of the cabin a quick clean out, too, to make it as comfortable as possible before you spend hours on the road.
5. Pack an Emergency Kit
Do you have a vehicle emergency kit? You should! Many are available over the counter, which contain almost everything you should need in case of emergency, but you can also put together your own. A reliable emergency kit for your vehicle should include jumper cables, a tire inflator or air pump, a flashlight, some basic tools, and a reflective hazard indicator. You might also include a first-aid kit and a phone charger. Make sure you pack along several extra bottles of water in case you’re stuck on the side of the road waiting for help to arrive.
Get Your Vehicle Maintained at Hinton Dodge Chrysler
Visit the service team here at Hinton Dodge Chrysler to get your vehicle summer-ready. Regular vehicle maintenance can also help maintain the value of your vehicle. Consider checking with our parts department to see a selection of spring and summer accessories for your vehicle. When it’s time to buy your next new vehicle, make Hinton Dodge in Perth, ON, your first stop.