It’s official, AAA predicts that road trips are going to dominate this summer! With travel restrictions and social distancing things of the past, it’s no surprise that 97 percent of summer travel is expected to be by car this year. Here are the most critical things to check, before you embark on your trip:
AC: The idea of a road trip brings to mind having the convertible top down, music up loud and the wind in your face. Of course the reality is that the most comfortable way to travel in the summer is with the AC set at the perfect temp. Making sure your AC is working at its best is an obvious must-have for summer, even if you don’t plan on taking a road trip.
Don’t wait until your AC stops working, get it inspected now to ensure uninterrupted cool all summer long. If you’ve been noticing that the air isn’t getting as cold as it used to or less air is coming out, have it looked at by your mechanic.
TIRES: Maintaining your tires not only gives you better fuel economy, but tire maintenance doesn’t just mean inflating them to the correct pressure. You’ll also want to check for damage, uneven wear and tread depth.
Oh no, a flat tire! If you have a spare tire, make sure it’s in the same, good condition as the other four. Don’t forget to check your jack and other tools, and store them in a place easy to access in case of a flat tire.
BATTERY: A faulty battery is the one of the most common causes for the need for roadside assistance. Visually inspecting your battery won’t tell you if it’s on the verge of failing, but it can show you if your battery is in need of replacement. When visually inspecting your battery, look for corrosion on the terminals, cracked casing or frayed cables.
Your car battery is dead, now what? Ensure that your jumper cables are in good condition. Better yet, be extra-prepared by including a portable jump starter in your emergency kit, so you can give yourself a jump-start without needing another vehicle.
Don’t wait until the day of your trip to inspect these things. Plan ahead and get your vehicle inspected by your local mechanic so you can feel confident on every road trip — even the spontaneous ones!
