How to Safely Prepare for a Summer Roadtrip

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu

With summer now on the way, there’s a good chance you and your family are planning a road trip. This year, AAA estimates it’ll aid over eight-million motorists between Memorial Day and Labor Day; so avoid being a statistic by planning ahead.

It is estimated that more than 31 million will take to the roads this summer for travel as many avoid the skies and the hassle hopping on a plane has become. So to avoid being one of those that get stuck on the side of the road this summer, go through our checklist before embarking on that trip.

First things first, take a look at your car’s battery and make sure it’s in good condition. The summer heat can break down a car battery’s internals and increase the rate of corrosion on the terminals. The average car battery has a service life between three to five years, so if you’re in that window, get it inspected by a professional. Make sure your terminal connections are nice and tight and that they aren’t corroded.

The summer heat could take its toll if the air conditioning fails. Though most automotive air conditioning systems don’t require routine maintenance, if yours is feeling a little weak, it could fail in the hot weather. Qualified technicians can make sure that your air conditioning system is in good working order if you’re worried. Make sure there are no noticeable refrigerant leaks and that the A/C compressor is turning on when the vehicle is running.

Rain during a road trip can be a downer, but you’d better be ready for it. It’s not just rain you’ll have to worry about on your trip; plenty of grime, insects, and debris could end up on your windshield. Make sure your windshield washer fluid is topped off and that your wipers are in good shape. The life of a windshield wiper insert is normally six months to a year. Do a quick check to make sure your wipers don’t leave streaks when used and are able to clean the windshield well in one or two swipes. If not, get a pair of replacements before hitting the road. Be sure to test your washer spray nozzles and their aim before leaving too.

It’s a good idea to keep an emergency roadside kit in case you do get stuck. Keep a spare cell phone charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, water, snacks, battery jumper cables, emergency flares, and reflectors. You’ll never know what will come in handy if you’re stuck on the side of the road. A can of “fix-a-flat” could also get you off the highway and safely to a gas station or maintenance shop. General tools including screwdriver and crescent wrench are helpful as well.

Getting a flat can be a royal pain in the summer heat. Avoid it by checking your tires before leaving, as well as making sure that they’re fully inflated to your vehicle’s specifications. Having a tire pressure checker handy on your trip is always great.

According to AAA, roughly one million travelers will call for help with a flat tire during the summer travel season. You’ll want to do your tire pressure check while your vehicle is cold and make sure your spare tire is up to spec too. Check the tread depth of your tires and head to your local tire shop to get replacements if needed.

Don’t feel guilty if you’re not regularly having your car checked out or maintained. But before going on a road trip, some general car maintenance is recommended as AAA estimates 3.5 million drivers will end up having to tow their car for repairs during the summer.

If it’s almost time for a scheduled maintenance, have it conducted before going on your trip. Make sure you’ve had an oil change during the recommended intervals and have your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician or even your local dealership’s service department. Also make sure that you have no outstanding recalls that could make your vehicle dangerous to yourself and your family.

If you’ve just had your vehicle serviced and have kept up with its maintenance, a quick check under the hood for any kinked or punctured hoses, frayed or cracked belts, and any low fluids will go a long way to make your trip safe and headache free.

Make sure all your car’s belts are in good condition and none are cracked, glazed, or frayed and check the coolant levels. Also remember to check your engine oil, brake and transmission fluid levels.

Finally, plot out a map with your route and your destinations ahead of time. If your vehicle is equipped with a navigation system, make sure its software is up-to-date. It’s recommended to make routine stops every 100 miles or two hours of driving. If you’re stopping for fuel, take a few minutes to check your tire pressure too.

Avoid distracted driving by having a designated texter in the car, or someone else to answer the phone. Also avoid driving if you’re feeling drowsy or tired.

Jason Siu
Jason Siu

Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.

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