4 Tips To Get Your Car Summer Road Trip Ready

Road trips are adventurous and exciting, but they can also be exhausting and stressful if you are not fully prepared for one. Here are some tips to get your car ready for that summer road trip you have been looking forward to since last fall. The Crown Kia service staff in St. Petersburg, FL can assist you with many of these steps should you heed the following advice.

Check All Fluid Levels

Before hitting the road, check all of your fluid levels. These fluids include power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, windshield wiper fluid, oil, and radiator coolant. After checking all fluid levels, make sure every belt and hose is secured in place. If you have recently brought your vehicle in for a check-up or repair, your vehicle is most likely ready to be driven. If you cannot remember the last time you got everything checked out, including an oil change, it might be best to take it in as soon as you can. Our knowledgeable associates in the service department at Crown Kia will happily serve you and ensure your vehicle is in working order before your trip.

Check Your Tires

Check your tire pressure and treads before starting your vehicle. Deep treads and adequate pressure are significant for proper traction while on the road. You should never inflate the tires more than their allotted amount due to the higher probability of the tires popping. Tire inflation should be closer to its maximum capacity during the summer, so try to keep this in mind before leaving for your trip. Bring a spare tire and car jack in the event of tire failure.

Check All Lighting

Make sure all of your lights, including interior lighting, are functioning properly. Your headlights, turn signals, and brake lights should be replaced before your journey to establish visibility and safety while on the road. Faulty exterior lighting is a safety hazard and will also get you pulled over by the police. Check your reading lamps and overhead lightbulbs to maintain driver and passenger security.

What to Bring

A GPS is a popular option to bring along when traveling, but a map will also suffice. It is best to have some sort of guide to reassure yourself that you are headed in the right direction. For emergencies, bring extra fuses, motor oil, jumper cables, a flashlight, first aid kit, and a cell phone charger for each person who carries a cell phone. Fully charged phone batteries will prevent anxiety from creeping up in case an emergency arises. Bottled water and protein-packed snacks will give everyone energy and a full stomach.

At Crown Kia, we will be happy to examine your vehicle and make any necessary adjustments before your next adventure. We will work with your schedule to ensure you get on the road when you need to. Stop by our dealership in St. Petersburg, FL today and allow us to prepare your vehicle for you. We look forward to assisting you!