Summer is often a time for travel and leisure for many people. With fewer people flying, many people are opting for driving and taking a summer road trip. Maybe that is you? Maybe you are on your way to the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, the Smoky Mountains, or your favorite beach? Wherever you are going, you’ll want your vehicle in tip-top performance for the road ahead. Victory Auto Service has been in business since 1997, and has seen a lot of road trip disasters which could have been prevented.
Here are the top-5 things to consider before going on a road trip this summer.
1) Get a Peace-of-Mind Vehicle Inspection
A peace-of-mind inspection is the most in-depth vehicle inspection you can get. A certified ASE technician will spend 45 minutes with your vehicle going through every part of your vehicle, and will inspect things like your Serpentine Belt, Steering & Suspension, Exhaust, Brakes, Battery, and transmission. You’ll want this service because it will uncover major issues which could be problematic on the road… the types of issues that will have you calling AAA on the roadside.
2) Get a Tire Rotation and Check Your Alignment
You are about to put some serious miles on your tires! Make sure you rotate and align your tires to extend their life to the fullest. Improper alignment can decrease fuel efficiency by up to 10%. At $3.00 per gallon for gas, that’s a $0.30+ per gallon “fee” for not having aligned tires.
3) Change Your Motor Oil and Oil Filter
Your road trip might be at least 1,000 miles and it is best practice to get your oil changed ahead of time. Your engine is going to be burning oil for a long time on your trip. Don’t try to sneak in a trip before your next oil change. As you get closer to your required oil change, the more sludge can build up. So it is best to simply get a fresh filter and oil for your journey.
4) Apply an Aquapel Advanced Rain Treatment
Your windshield is often overlooked during a road trip. Depending on the length and path of your trip, you are likely to encounter a storm at some point. Enhancing visibility not only is helpful, but it is a safety measure. Between 2007 and 2016, there were just over 1.2 million car accidents caused by poor weather conditions.
5) Test Your Vehicle's Air Conditioner
You will be spending a lot of time in your vehicle while it is hot outside. It is best to simply get your AC checked so you don’t have to suffer the whole trip! While you may not mind going with the windows down, if you have a spouse or kids, they will love you for it!
We hope these 5 tips can help you have a more enjoyable and safer summer road trip. We hope you have a wonderful and memorable trip!