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Spring is a great time for road trips and new beginnings. While booking your hotel stays and packing your suitcase might be at the top of your to-do list, taking the time to perform a few routine vehicle maintenance checks is important to ensure you’re ready for your next adventure. Read on to find out how to get your car ready for a spring road trip.
Check Your Vehicle’s Battery
Inspect your vehicle’s battery to make sure the cable connections are tight. If you notice any corrosion, disconnect the battery and use a wire brush to clean the connectors. It’s also a good idea to have a professional inspect your vehicle’s battery before your trip, especially if it’s over two years old. Consumer Reports recommends having this done annually to assess your battery’s remaining capacity.
Top Off Fluids and Change Filters
Check your vehicle’s fluid levels before you hit the open road. This includes your engine oil, windshield washer fluid, coolant, and steering and transmission fluids. Top them off if they seem low. If your vehicle is due for an oil change soon, schedule it before your vacation. The National Highway Safety Administration also recommends having your coolant changed if it’s clear or contains floating particles to prevent corrosion.
Once you top off your vehicle’s fluids, check the engine air filter. If it’s full of debris, replace it with a new one to improve your vehicle’s performance and make your road trip more enjoyable.
Inspect the Tires
Check your tires, including the spare if you have one, to make sure they’re in good condition before you leave home. Look for any sidewall bulges, cuts, or gouges. Then assess the condition of each tire by placing a penny upside down between the treads. If the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head peeks out over the treads, get new tires before your trip to ensure you arrive at your destination safely.
Finally, check the tire pressure. You can find the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door sticker. Inflating your tires properly can improve your vehicle’s fuel economy and save you money during your trip.
Double-Check the Brakes
Double-checking your brakes before a long trip is important to make sure you stay safe on the road. If you notice a squealing noise when you brake or any other unusual sounds, have your car inspected by a professional. This can be a sign that the brake pads need to be replaced. Test your brakes before your road trip to see if the pedal feels spongy when you step on it. If it does, top off your brake fluid.
Test the Lights and Electrical Equipment
Make sure the exterior lights are working, including the headlights, turning signals, and brake lights. Replace any burned-out bulbs to prevent being pulled over in the middle of your road trip. Then double-check your windshield wipers. If they’re leaving streaks, it may be time to replace them. Finally, test your air conditioning to make sure it’s still working after the winter so you can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing getaway.
Taking the time to inspect your vehicle before your next vacation can help you spend more time on the road and less time in a repair shop. We hope you found these tips useful on how to get your car ready for a spring road trip. Enjoy your trip!
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