An Epic Road Trip Requires an Epic Car. Is Yours One?

Planning your next trip should be a fun and enjoyable process. But with the tasks involved (e.g., booking hotels, choosing destinations and planning itineraries), it can also be an overwhelming adventure. Factor in the travel restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, planning your next trip seems just crazy at the moment.

Fortunately, you can still see the world by car because2021 could be the year of road trips. All you need is a good car with some good company to still see the world while staying safe.

But even the most detailed travel itinerary or best cars from a Volvo semi truck dealer can’t spare you from the need for routine maintenance and car preparation. Even though you firmly believe that your car is built for an adventure on the road, vehicle maintenance is still a must. After all, car maintenance should be a 24/7 proposition, but it’s a crucial task before a long road trip, especially under the summer heat and to unfamiliar destinations.

No matter where you’re headed, it’s best to prepare your car for the long travel ahead. After all, no one wants a breakdown in the middle of a fun adventure!

Check Your Fluids

One of the first steps in road trip preparation is maintaining your vehicle’s fluids. Doing so ensures your travel is seamless and stress-free. While the motor oil is dubbed as the “engine’s lifeblood,” cars use different specialized fluids to improve your car’s longevity and operation.

Always check on the following fluids:

• Power steering fluid. Although electrical power steering systems are more common in today’s vehicles, plenty of cars still use hydraulic power steering systems. These power systems use fluids that can be contaminated as you continue to use your car. Contaminated fluids hamper the performance of your vehicle, as well as cause damage to your system’s components or leaks.

• Transmission fluid. Many new cars come with sealed transmissions, which prevent you to easily check or top off the fluid. All cars, however, should come with a traditional dipstick, which you can use the check the fluid and replace it according to the owners’ manual. Old fluid can accumulate debris and dirt, which reduces the performance of your transmission, as well as its lifespan.

• Brake fluid. Brake fluid can easily absorb moisture and get contaminated, both of which reduce your car’s performance.

• Engine oil. Modern engine oil contains additives that enhance your car’s lubrication. It also keeps your oiling system clean. But an unprecedented consumption or loss of engine oil could cause your car to break down in the middle of the road.

Check the Lights and Electrical Equipment

Make sure that all of your exterior and interior lights are working properly and immediately replace burned-out bulbs. If your windshield wipers are leaving streaks or removing water from the windshield, it’s time to replace them.

Also, don’t forget to check your car’s air conditioning system and horn. If the AC isn’t blowing as cold as it used to, have your vehicle serviced by a mechanic before a long road trip, especially if you’re traveling during the summer.

Check Your Tires

Tires come in direct contact with the road, so it requires more care. Make sure that your tires are inflated correctly and are free from defects to avoid tire blow-outs on the road.

Key considerations for tire maintenance include the following:

• Wheels. Cars come in different drive-wheel configurations. Wheels that receive more power wear tires quickly compared to non-drive-wheel tires. Also, loose or worn steering components lead to uneven wear of your front tires. Promote even wear by rotating your tires from side-to-side to front-or-back.

• Air pressure. Find the air pressure required for your car’s tires on a small label attached to the door jamb of the driver’s side. If your car is heavily loaded, kept on the road for extended travel or towing a trailer, always check your tires at every stop. Also, keep an air pressure gauge handy.

Check the Hoses and Belts

Engine hoses and belts are important, especially when it comes to keeping your vehicle’s power steering, cooling systems and electrical systems functioning properly. Have a mechanic inspect them to make sure they aren’t cracked or frayed. Also, the belts should be installed tightly and the hoses must be free from drips or leaks.

Cap off all the inspections with a good clean. Driving a clean car adds up to fuel economy, especially if there’s enough added weight! Plus, cleaning your car gives more room for luggage and souvenirs.

An epic road trip requires a good car that is up for the challenge. Drive your way to the next destination while chatting about some new Netflix show or the Twilight series without worrying about your car. Make sure your vehicle is road-trip-ready with the tips above.