Summer Road Trip Maintenance Checklist

Before you set out on your next summer road trip, are you sure your vehicle is ready? You want to make sure it’s tuned up and prepared for a longer trip, because the very last thing you want is to find yourself stranded on the side of the highway dealing with a preventable issue. So before you hit the road, make sure you’ve covered all the major maintenance you need. Thankfully, the service team here at Hinton Dodge Chrysler has your back! We’ve prepared a quick checklist of all the key maintenance you should do before your next summer adventure.

1. Fluids

The most regular maintenance you get for your vehicle is an oil change, and you should definitely 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 your washer fluid. If everything is clean and topped up, you should be set to avoid a number of possible issues.

1. 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 when your seasonal tires are swapped out. And make sure your spare or donut is inflated and ready for an emergency! While you’re under the vehicle, also check your brakes for any signs of problems, especially loud concerning noises when you hit the brakes or a spongy feeling brake pedal. If you’ve gone 50,000 km since your brakes were checked, consider having the brake pads replaced.

1. Battery and Electrical

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.

1. HVAC and Cabin

A hot summer drive shouldn’t be a drag, so be sure to make sure your cabin will be comfortable! Ensure your A/C system is working properly before you set out, and that includes giving the vents a quick cleaning. 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.

1. Emergency Kit

Do you have a vehicle emergency kit? You should! Many are available over the counter which contain most 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.

1. Planning

Before you head out, make sure your license, insurance, and registration are up to date, and if you’re crossing the border, your passport as well. Make sure you’ve packed all the essentials you’ll need for your trip. While it can be fun to just drive and see where your journey takes you, consider making a schedule ahead of time including where you’ll stop for breaks, and when. Also, be sure to let someone know where you’re going and when you should arrive, and check in with them regularly during your trip so they know you’re safe.

Hit the Road This Summer in Perth, ON

Don’t forget, regular vehicle maintenance can also help maintain the value of your vehicle. Visit the service team here at Hinton Dodge Chrysler to get your vehicle summer ready. 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.