Pre-Road Trip Car Care

Memorial Day kicks off the summer travel season! It’s time to hit the road. AAA estimates that many families will decide to get back to traveling as more and more Americans receive their vaccines against COVID-19. According to the agency, travel is anticipated to increase 60 percent this Memorial Day weekend compared with 2020. If your car has gotten a little less use this year, here are a few things you’ll want to check before you hit the road.

Check your belts. Many vehicles have internal engine timing belts, and these belts need to be serviced (and replaced around 100,000 miles). In addition, all vehicles have external belts that help run systems like the power steering, alternator and air conditioner. These belts need attention to keep you moving safely and comfortably down the road. A trusted mechanic can help you check the status of all your belts.

Get an oil change. This is the most basic and obvious tip, but bears repeating. As many vehicles require hybrid or full synthetic oil these days, it’s easy for some vehicle owners to just forget about this crucial aspect of car maintenance in the long stretches of time between oil changes. The date due may even pass prior to the mileage limit. To check your oil, make sure your car is parked on a flat, level surface and that the engine is cool. Then follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. For most vehicles, the process involves pulling out the dipstick, wiping it clean and then reinserting it and pulling it out again, then examining the oil level and color. A good rule is to just get an oil change prior to a long road trip.

Attend to your tires. Check Mr. Lincoln’s head! Prior to leaving for a trip, check the tire pressure, tread and expiration date. Try the penny test: Hold a penny by the bottom, at Abe Lincoln’s shoulders. Point Mr. Lincoln’s head toward the center of the wheel and insert the penny into the tire tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace the tires. Make sure to periodically check the tread, pressure and expiration date on the spare tire as well and to inspect the tire at several places in its circumference to ensure it is wearing evenly.

Top off vital fluids. Newer vehicles have indicators for the systems that need attention, but it’s worthwhile to check the windshield wiper fluid, transmission fluid, antifreeze, etc. A check of the transmission fluid, especially on an older vehicle, is a useful task to know how to do yourself. The various types of modern transmissions use different types of fluid. Some modern transmissions are actually sealed and don’t require replacing the fluid. Consult your owner’s manual to learn what kind of transmission you have and what type of fluid to use. Check the antifreeze level (more important if traveling during the winter, but worth checking periodically) and top off your windshield wiper fluid as well.

Replace wiper blades. It’s amazing how much better you will see if you just change the wiper blades. The recommended best practice is to change the wipers every six to 12 months depending on climate. Wiper blades will start streaking, skipping or squeaking when they are on their last leg. Since they’re rubber, the surface may start breaking down, especially after extreme weather.

Clean your car. It’s not relaxing to hop into a dirty car and head off on a road trip. Vacations should be refreshing, and there’s nothing refreshing about spending hours in a dirty car. Visit Snap Clean before you head off on your upcoming trips. Our vacuums are open to tackle your interior, and our awesome tunnel wash will have you on your way in less than five minutes. And don’t forget to wash off the bugs and road trip funk when you return home!