Ready to Hit the Road? How to Prep You and Your Vehicle

There’s no time quite like summer. Your monkeys come home on the last day of school with fat backpacks to be hidden away until fall and you start preparing for your warm-weather activities.

If one of those activities is a vacation, you’ve got some prep work to do!

The planning phase

There are a few important things to take into consideration when you’re ready to take a trip:

• Who’s going? The decisions you make about your trip will depend on the ages of the people in your family, as well as any special needs that anyone may have.
• Where are you going? Your destination should be appropriate for the ages of your travelers. For example, your toddler won’t have an appreciation for the Grand Canyon, but he may really enjoy playing in the sand at the beach.
• What’s your budget? Another important factor that will play a role in your planning is the amount of money you can spend. Don’t plan a cross-country trip that’ll last two weeks if your budget only allows for a long weekend.
• The condition of the tires is examined. Tires are checked for uneven wear, bulges, or other possible tire defects that can affect your safety. It’s not uncommon for the tires to be rotated during an oil change session, as well.
• How’s your vehicle? Think about the state of your transportation when you’re deciding where you want to go. If you plan on driving a long distance, you’ll need to make sure your car is in adequate shape to handle the trip.

Vehicle prep

Once you’ve answered the necessary questions, it’s time to get your car in tip-top shape for the drive.

It’s always a good idea to have your vehicle serviced before you leave for a long trip.

Here are some specific functions that should be checked out by a trusted mechanic or service shop:

• Fluid levels. This includes motor oil, engine coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power-steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. It’s also a good idea to check your driveway and garage floor where your vehicle is parked to see if there are any leaks.
• Hoses and belts. The heat of the engine can cause belts and hoses to break down over time. Your mechanic will look for warps, cracks, or shreds that could cause big trouble when you’re far away from home.
• Battery.The cables should be securely attached to the terminals and it should be free from any corrosion.
• Tires. Your mechanic will make sure the pads and brakes are in good condition.
• Brakes. A quick look at the brakes can tell if they’re functioning up to par.

You’ll be able to rest easy and enjoy your vacation when you know that your vehicle is in good working order.

Making the other necessary preparations such as deciding on a destination and making sure everyone has what they need will also ensure that your trip goes off without a hitch.

Contact Conrad’s today to schedule your vehicle’s maintenance before you head out on summer vacation.