Summer is the time for traveling, exploring and taking vacations. This summer, many people are choosing to drive instead of fly due to COVID-19. If you plan on taking a road trip, it’s important to make sure all parts of your vehicle are ready for the journey. Checking these 7 components helps lower the chances of mechanical issues and ensures a safe trip. 

 

Check the oil level and quality

It is essential to have a full tank of motor oil before a road trip. Running out of oil during the drive would leave you stranded and the car would be damaged beyond repair. The best way to avoid this isto get your car’s oil changed before your trip, so the oil is completely fresh and checked by a mechanic. To check the oil level on your own, first check the vehicle manual. Some newer cars have an electronic oil monitor while most have a dipstick that must be checked manually. Dipsticks allow you to check the level of the oil simply by pulling it out of the tank, wiping it off, submerging it back into the tank and then checking the level the oil reaches. According to Consumer Reports’ chief mechanic, John Ibbotson, even newer cars sometimes need extra oil between oil changes. If you need to top off the tank, it is important to check user manuals about the type of oil your vehicle needs. 

 

Check various fluids

Referring to coolant, windshield wiper fluid and brake fluid, it is important to make sure these are all topped off before a trip. This can avoid breakdowns that could lead to accidents and make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Coolant and windshield wiper fluid can be added by simply pouring the correct fluid into the correct reservoir, but it is important to be careful when adding brake fluid because the addition of extra moisture can cause brake fade where the fluid becomes less effective.

 

Check tire tread and pressure

Your vehicle’s tires are the connection between you and the road for the entirety of your trip, and it’s important to make sure they are running in their best shape. Inadequate tires can cause accidents, blowouts, wasted gas and general steering issues. To check the tire tread, use a tread gauge or even a simple quarter. Take a quarter and place it in the tread and George Washington’s head on the quarter should be slightly obscured. If you’re using a tread gauge, it should be 1/16th” or higher. To adjust the tire pressure, you need a gauge and an air pump. Both of these things can be found as gas stations. The correct tire pressure for your vehicle’s tires will be found on the inside of the car door or inside of the gas tank door. 

 

Check signals and lights

It is important that all of the lights and signals are in good working condition before you depart on your trip. Have a second person watch the exterior of the car while you cycle through the turn signals, reverse lights, low beams, high beams and brake lights. Also check to make sure that the interior lights work and are set to off when you are not in the car so your vehicle’s battery isn’t strained.

 

Check the air filter

Having a clean air filter allows for your vehicle to have better performance and efficiency. This filter directs air to the engine and you want it to be as clean as possible. Air filters are typically around $20 and this AutoZone website allows you to input your car’s information and it will show you filters available.

 

Check the battery

If you have a newer car, the likelihood that you would need a new battery is low. However, if the starter sounds sluggish when you first start the car, it could be a sign of a dying battery. You also want to check your battery for any signs of corrosion. If there is corrosion, it can be neutralized and cleaned with baking soda and water.

 

Wash your car

Having a clean car helps visibility and allows you to start your trip fresh. You can also check your windshield wipers while the car is wet and make sure they are still effective.