Summer Road Trips Tips
Hitting the road on your next trip? Read on to learn more about staying safe on your next road trip. These important car travel safety tips will help get you to your destination safely.
Regular maintenance – Tune-ups, oil changes, battery checks, and tire rotations go a long way toward preventing breakdowns before they happen. If your vehicle has been serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, it should be in good shape and ready to travel. If not, or you don’t know the service history of the vehicle you plan to drive, schedule a preventive maintenance check-up with your mechanic.
Tires – The best way to avoid a flat tire or a blowout is to use a tire pressure gauge – keep one handy in your vehicle – to check your vehicle’s tire pressure, including the spare, at least once a month.
Belts and hoses – Look under the hood and inspect all belts and hoses to make sure they are in good shape with no signs of blisters, cracks, or cuts in the rubber.
Wiper blades – Examine blades for signs of wear and tear. If they aren’t in tip-top condition, install new ones before you go.
Cooling system – When the engine is cold, check your engine coolant level to make sure it’s adequate.
Fluid levels – Periodically check your vehicle’s oil level and, if necessary, get an oil change. Make sure each reservoir is full and if you see any sign of fluid leakage, take your vehicle in to be serviced.
Lights – Make sure headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights are in working order. Failure of trailer light connections is a common problem and a serious safety hazard.
Air conditioning – Check your air conditioning system to ensure it is properly functioning and if the air is not blowing cold, have the system repaired before traveling. Lack of air conditioning on a hot summer day affects people who are in poor health or are sensitive to heat, such as children and seniors.
For Drivers and Passengers
- Map your route to your destination
- Buckle seat belts
- Don’t Drink and Drive
- Avoid distractions
- Keep you cell phone charged
- Watch for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians
- Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive
- Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination
