How to Get Your Car Ready for a Road Trip

Hooray! Summer is finally here. The best time of year to load up the car, the dog, the cat, the family and whoever else you want to join you in road trip season! Getting ready for a vacation or holiday is half the fun and getting your car ready for the road is just as important as where you are going. Here’s how to get your car road trip ready so that you can enjoy the journey and not the service station!

Get the Fluids Road Ready

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a long journey by car is to get your car parts greased up, get your oil changed, and make sure your windshield washer fluid is topped off and you have plenty of backup in the trunk. Summer is also the time for construction in many places so having lots of windshield washer fluid will save you from the dust and grime you’ll pick up driving in busy construction zones.

Get the Car Washed

It might seem less important than having your fluids topped off, but taking your car to the car wash, or washing it in your driveway, is a good way to get your car road ready. It is a really nice feeling to leave your home with a clean car. Plus, you don’t want people to think you have one of those ugly cars- kidding. The real reason to give your car a good scrub is to check for damage. You want to know if your bumpers are cracked or if you need to replace a tail light. Cleaning your car is really just an excuse to check for potential issues.

Check Tire Pressure

This goes without saying: get your tire pressure checked. If you are riding low, you can bust a tire and cause an accident. If you are riding high, you can burn through more gas than anticipated.

General Maintenance

Before hitting the road, make sure to check important components of your car that need maintenance to avoid any potential disaster and unwanted breakdowns while driving. It is recommended to seek professional mechanic's help to make sure it’s able to function well. RepairSmith expert mechanics can also do car diagnostics and repair services at your location to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable road trip. Currently catering to car service repair at Greater Los Angeles, Orange Country, San Diego, as well as Bay Area and Sacramento offering a 12,000-mile warranty.  And another great thing is that they have plans to roll out to other cities this year. Ensure your car is in top-running condition  and get ready for your next road trip adventures.

Pack the Essentials

While your car is going to be overloaded with stuff and people with minimal effort, you’ll want to pack some of these items where they can be easily reached: wipes (baby wipes or otherwise will do), tissues, gum, sunglasses, garbage bags, recycling bags, coins and small bills for tolls. You’ll also want to check your insurance card and registration papers to make sure they are up to date, especially if you are crossing borders or state lines. And don’t forget your passports! Pack dry snacks like nuts, granola bars (without chocolate that can melt in hot cars!), and a selection of group-friendly music. On second thought, that might be difficult so try to come up with a system where everyone can listen to their music for 30 minutes at a time.

Pack Right

When you are packing to head out on the open road, pack the bags or luggage you’ll need the first night, last. Give it some thought about what you’ll need and when, and you’ll have an easier time when you stop for the evening: you won’t have to unload and load up the car if you pack what you need at the back of the trunk. And don’t forget to make sure your cooler is topped up with cold drinks and that it is easily accessible. You’ll save tons by packing your own snacks and drinks on the road. Happy travels.