Prepare For The Road This Summer

Americans always hit the roadways in great numbers in the summer with the revival of sunny days and vacation time built up. Travel industry studies report that more than one-half of employed travelers also spend at least one-half of their vacation time traveling.

Car trouble, usually due to neglected preventive maintenance, can add unexpected expense to and bring an abrupt and undesirable end to vacation plans. It can also mean more than just a repair bill. It can involve towing charges, lodging and possibly a rental car.

Even if you’re not planning any trips, the stress of day-to-day warm-weather activities, such as driving the kids to and from activities and running errands, are hard on your car.


Pre-Trip Physical

Make sure to have your oil changed before you leave if it’s getting close. Motor oil breaks down over time and loses its ability to keep your engine running smoothly. As a rule of thumb, a 3,000-mile interval is appropriate for automobiles operated under severe-service conditions. Drivers should refer to their vehicle owner's manual for oil change interval guidelines appropriate for their individual driving patterns, vehicle usage and climate conditions.

Check all fluids. There are several fluids that require attention, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids and windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. You want to make sure they’re all at the proper level. Change or top off those in need.

Check your tire pressure and the tread on all four tires before and during your trip. Under-inflated tires = too much rubber on the road = too much friction and reduced gas mileage.

Incorrectly inflated tires also wear unevenly, which can impact your vehicle’s traction on the road and possibly lead to a dangerous blowout. Check your tire pressure regularly and make sure all tires are filled to the correct level. For every 10 degrees the climate fluctuates, your tires lose one pound of pressure and under-inflated tires consume more energy. Proper tire pressure is vehicle-specific. Proper tire pressure information for a vehicle is found on a decal typically in the vehicle’s doorjamb or in the vehicle owner’s manual. Don’t use the pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire.

Check filters, belts and hoses. If you see any cracks or tears, it’s time to get a replacement. A belt that fails can affect the electrical system, air conditioning and power steering, as well as the cooling system.

The normal life expectancy for many windshield wiper blades is six months. An easy reminder is to change wiper blades when you change your clock, in the spring and fall. Check and clean the windshield wiper blades by wiping them with alcohol or replace them if necessary.

The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically and the radiator system should be flushed and refilled every two years. Hoses and belts related to the cooling system allow coolant to flow to and from the radiator to keep the engine cool. If a hose or belt fails while driving, your engine will rapidly overheat. Overheating can damage or destroy an engine in minutes.

An air filter is a vehicle’s lung. A clean air filter helps the engine combust an optimal air-to-fuel mixture, making it run more smoothly and efficiently. A clogged air filter makes the engine work harder. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for when your car’s air filter needs to be replaced.

Another important pre-trip check should be exterior and interior lighting. Make sure all turning signals are fully functional before heading out.

Long drives coupled with the severe environmental conditions of popular summertime destinations can be a recipe for disaster if a car is not checked out in advance. Simple preventive measures such as these can help prevent unnecessary breakdowns that can ruin your trip.