There's nothing quite like a summer road trip to see different places or enjoy time with family and friends.
But road trips can be tough on your car. Keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape can help you avoid wasting money on expensive repairs.
Here are some essential auto maintenance measures you should take before your next summer road trip.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources
Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Check your tire treads
Before any long trip, review your tires and make sure you have sufficient tread so you can properly stop and maneuver your vehicle when you are on the road.
A great way to check this is with the penny test. Take a penny and put it in the tread with Lincoln’s head towards the tire. If your tread completely covers Lincoln’s head, your tires should be good.
If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires are worn to the point of needing replacement quickly. If you're concerned, consider having them professionally inspected.
Top off any fluids
Pop the hood of your car and check the fluids. Top off any that are low.
Remember to check things like engine coolant, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid to ensure you're ready for a long trip.
Get your oil changed
Oil helps to protect your car engine and keep it going. Use the dipstick in your car to check the oil level and make sure it’s where it should be.
Consider getting an oil change before your road trip, especially if you're almost due for a change.
Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.
If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Rotate your tires
You'll be doing quite a bit of driving on your tires during travel, so consider having them rotated.
Rotating your tires helps ensure they wear evenly as you take to the road.
Test your air conditioning
During the summer months, it’s likely that you will drive through some hot conditions in the summer. So, make sure your air conditioning is working properly.
Consider having the air conditioning checked by a professional.
Trending Stories
Make sure your wipers are ready
Windshield wipers wear down with age and can crack in the heat. Give your wipers a good check, and consider replacing them with new wipers before you head out.
Replacing wipers is a simple and affordable switch that can keep you safe when you get caught in the rain.
Look over brake pads
If your brake pads are worn and you're unable to stop the vehicle properly, they can be a safety hazard.
Check your brake pads to make sure they are at a safe depth, and consider getting them replaced before you head out if they are too worn.
Test your battery
Your battery is an essential part of operating your vehicle, so make sure it’s clean and operating properly.
Temperature changes can affect a battery’s performance, so have it tested before your summer road trip.
Make sure you have a spare tire
A tire could puncture or even blow out when you are on the road. That makes it important to have a spare tire.
Check the tire to make sure it's inflated and usable should you need it.
Unlock exclusive entertainment deals and VIP perks (without a credit card)
Ready to take your entertainment and travels to the next level? Experience the finer things in life with the SELECT card.
No, it's not a credit card, it’s an exclusive membership — and your passport to a world of elite benefits and unforgettable moments.
Imagine sipping complimentary cocktails in downtown Manhattan at KYU NYC or saving 20% on the best sushi in Hollywood Hills at Yamashiro.
Like to shop? Members receive VIP discounts like 15% off at Brooks Brothers, and up to 60% off at Tumi.
Enjoy special offers at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Omni Select. For example, you get 15% off at Hyatt Hotels worldwide.
But it’s not just about the hundreds (or thousands) you could save. There are so many features that make you feel like a VIP every day. Like SELECT’s white-glove concierge that assists with bookings, recommendations, or anything you need. And priority access to reservations to some of the year’s hottest events (many not open to the public).
Review your emergency kit
When you are on the road, you could encounter other emergencies, so make sure your emergency kit has what you need.
You may want to include a flashlight, food, bandages, and other first-aid items. It’s also important to have things like hazard flags in case you get in an accident or have to pull over to the side of the road.
Have your belts and hoses checked
The belts and hoses under your hood help keep things running smoothly. Before you go, give them a good check.
Belts and hoses can wear out. Temperature changes and age can take a toll, which can cause you problems when you are on the road.
Be prepared for weather conditions
Review where you are going and think about how weather and temperature can affect your car during the drive.
Extreme temperatures, dry weather, and rain and hail can all make an impact. Be sure you're ready for these conditions.
Check tire pressure
Tire pressure can determine how much wear and tear your tires experience, and can impact their performance.
Review your owner’s manual to see what your tire pressure should be. Consider getting a tire gauge so you can easily check pressure when you are on the road.
Clean your car
You don’t want to start off a road trip with a messy car, so throw away trash and clean your windows before you hit the road.
It’s also a good idea to give the outside of your car a good cleaning so dirt, debris, and other grime won’t bake in the sun as you drive.
Know who to call
No matter how well you prepare your vehicle, things can still happen. Make sure you know who to call in case you have a breakdown or are in an accident.
Purchasing an AAA membership or enrolling in a service like OnStar for General Motors drivers can give you peace of mind as you drive. In the short term, they will cost you money.
But if you need to use them, they can actually help you get ahead financially by giving you access to help at a reasonable price.
Bottom line
A road trip is a fun experience and an affordable way to travel this summer. Just make sure your vehicle is in good shape before you begin the journey.
Also, shop around so you can save money on car insurance and make sure you have the coverage you need before you hit the highway.
- You could save up to $600 with some companies
- Compare dozens of providers in under 5 minutes
- Fast, free and easy way to shop for insurance
- Quickly find the perfect rate for you
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.
Author Details