Summer Road Trip Readiness

Vacations are supposed to be full of fun new memories and good times with family and friends. Car trouble is enough of a pain when you’re at home and close to your favorite mechanic or dealer service center, but what about when you’re on the road? If you’re hitting the open road this summer for a family vacation or a road trip with your buddies, you need to take certain precautions to make sure your trip is only as eventful as the spontaneous good times.

Snap Clean Car Wash is your local destination for a clean, comfortable ride, but we also have a few tips for helping you get the most out of your summer road trip. Here’s Snap Dog’s pre-road trip checklist for great times on the road!

Do a pre-trip inspection. A few days before you’re scheduled to leave town, take stock of your vehicle’s systems and components to be sure you aren’t in need of important maintenance. Check for dripping fluids underneath your car. Innocent condensation can leave a few drops of water behind on the driveway, but small leaks in other areas like your oil pan can also be a culprit for trouble. Give your car a good once over to find any small problems that could become big issues on the road. If you drive an older vehicle and are at all concerned about its ability to make the trip, take your car to the mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, the kind you’d do if you were about to buy a used car. For around $100, a good mechanic can inspect the car for any problems that could arise during your trip.

Get the oil changed. This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you’re coming due for an oil change or scheduled maintenance, opt to take care of it early rather than letting it linger. Most of us drive regularly in stop and go traffic, which is harder on your engine. Old gunky oil can’t properly lubricate your engine. Protect yourself from a failure in the middle of nowhere and from having to rely on a random repair shop in an unfamiliar place.

Learn about the weather. Okay, we know it’s random, but if the weather can change on a dime. Check the weather for your destination and prepare yourself and your car accordingly. If you’re going to be driving during high temperatures, grab a couple gallons of distilled water in case of an overheating emergency.

Check your tires. Underinflated tires will impact your fuel economy, but it will also run hotter, especially during Texas summer weather. Protect yourself from potential blowouts. Take stock of your tires before you leave for your trip. Make sure they are properly inflated and replace them if necessary. Don’t forget to check the spare tire as well!

Let there be light. Check your headlights, and if necessary, grab an inexpensive headlight restoration kit. Headlights can yellow and become foggy as they age, but in about an hour, they’ll look as good as the day you bought them. Bonus: they’ll look nicer if you decide to trade your car in.

Get a clean start. The day before your departure, we recommend visiting Snap Clean for a Platinum wash. It’s the best way to completely clean and maintain your exterior. While you’re here, take advantage of our interior spray cleaner and free vacuums to completely clean your interior and get your car road trip ready. Bon voyage!