4 Tips On What To Do Before Taking Your Car On a Road Trip

Get (road) ready for summer!

The last thing you want is to be waiting for an auto repair shop to open when you could be sightseeing or relaxing. But with some road trip vehicle preparation following our 4 tips on what to do before taking your car on a road trip, you should be in tip-top shape when you hit the pavement (or gravel)!

On vacation

Summer means vacation time. And, for many of us, that means taking a road trip with friends or taking the family to see natural wonders and historical places, and many people travel to the shores of Michigan to camp. Before you head out, it’s wise to make sure your vehicle is road ready for the trek.

Gear up!

So, what road trip vehicle preparation should you do before you gather material to write the next great American novel? We’ve put together a handy list of road trip vehicle preparation tips. That way, when the trip begins, you’re actually “On the Road” – not on the shoulder waiting for a service vehicle!

Our 4 road trip vehicle preparation tips:

1. Check your brakes

2. Check your tires

3. Check and change oil if needed

4. Pulling a trailer? Check turn signals and brake lights and make sure you have reflectors on taller loads.

1. Check your brakes

Give your brakes a break!

The brake system

Brake fluid is a hygroscopic mineral oil; that is, it attracts and absorbs moisture. This eventually turns the brake fluid into the color of maple syrup. This indicates it will start rusting your brake components. This change also lowers the brake fluid’s boiling point, which can cause a squishy brake pedal.

The brake fluid should be filled to the ‘full’ mark. Have it flushed if you haven’t done so in two or three years.

Brake pads

The brake pad thickness should be above the minimum specified by the car manufacturer. Brake pads have wear indicators that squeal when you need to replace them. It’s embarrassing when you’re driving around getting looks, but it’s an oh-so handy tool to know when pads should be replaced!

 

2. Check your tires

Tire tread

Traction is vital! Being equipped with the proper tire tread is important because your safety is at stake.

How long your tire treads will last depends on a number of factors, including if you are rotating them and which type of vehicle you drive. According to testing by Consumer Reports, tires usually last between 35,000 and 90,000 miles.

Check that the tread on your four tires aren’t too worn or worn unevenly. Most new tires have about 10/32 in. of tread depth. If your tire tread-depth is less than 2/32 in., get new tires.

How do you find out what your tread depth is?

Get a tread-depth gauge or take out your pocket change.

Be pennywise

Who says a penny isn’t worth anything? You can use a penny for this test. If the depth is below Lincoln’s shoulder, it’s time for new tires.

Or use a quarter!

Some say a quarter is more accurate than a penny. Push a quarter into the tread upside down. The top of Washington’s head should be partially covered; if you can see all of Washington’s head, get new tires.

Tire wear bars

Most tires have about three to six wear bars. Look at the tire wear bars running across the tire. If they are flush with the tread, get new tires.

Bubbles

If a tire has a bubble in the sidewall, install new tires. A bubble indicates that the inner liner is damaged, causing air to escape. Hitting a curb or encountering potholes, railroad crossings, or debris can do it. It could also be a tire defect.

Under pressure

Tire pressure that is! Make sure to check your tire pressure before your trip.

The number on your tires indicates the maximum amount of pressure it can withstand. However, the numbers are based on a cold tire and with extreme heat and speed it could lead to a blowout and there you are with a flat tire.

Also note that low tire pressure decreases fuel efficiency and causes tires to run hotter from the extra friction.

To find the correct pressure numbers look on your driver’s side door, in the glove compartment, or on the fuel-filler door.

To measure the number, use a pressure gauge.

3. Check and change oil if needed

Oil level

You want to be at a ‘full’ level of motor oil before you start a trip.

Oil change

Are you due for an oil change? If you’re close, have one before you go. Not sure if you need one? Check the manufacturer’s guidelines or give us a call.

For long trips, consider using synthetic motor oil for extra protection against thermal breakdowns, less friction losses in the engine, and better gas mileage.

 

4. Pulling a trailer? Check turn signals and brake lights and make sure you have reflectors on taller loads.

Make sure you’re following both state and federal laws.

Do a performance check. Are your turn signals and brake lights working? If not, get them fixed!

Hauling something around? There are special requirements, so make sure you’re aware of them.

Michigan vehicle code statute:

A motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, or vehicle drawn in a train of vehicles needs at least one rear lamp that emits red light visible from a distance of 500 feet.

A tail lamp or a separate lamp must illuminate, with a white light, the rear registration plate and be legible 50 feet away. A tail lamp or lamps, along with other lamps for illuminating the rear registration plate, should be lit whenever the headlamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lit.

So, basically, a trailer is required to have one red taillight and a license plate light.

Certain farm vehicles have different rules, as do especially large trailers. For more information, visit the U.S. government’s Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.

Lens covers should also be replaced if needed. Inspect these for cracks or holes.

Before you take off

One last note on road trip vehicle preparation! Before you go, take a quick drive on the local freeway to listen for anything that doesn’t sound right and look at the light icons above your steering wheel to see if it’s telling you anything. Do this ahead of time so if anything needs fixing you can bring it to our service shop to get the vehicle road ready!

We make cars and trucks road-trip ready!

Want someone to do your road trip vehicle preparation for you? Come in to Thelen Auto for a multi-point inspection before your road trip and we’ll check to make sure you’re road trip ready!

Links:

https://mobiloil.com/en/article/travel-and-safety/travel-tips/car-maintenance-checklist-for-road-trips

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/how-to-prep-your-car-for-a-road-trip/

https://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/05/traffic_talk_are_drivers_pulli.html

https://www.etrailer.com/faq-trailer-lighting-info-and-regulations.aspx

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2015/09/the-truth-about-tire-treadwear/index.htm

https://www.consumerreports.org/tires/how-long-do-tires-last-consumer-reports-treadwear-testing-will-tell-you/

https://blog.tirerack.com/blog/docs-advice-on-tires/what-does-a-bubble-in-the-sidewall-mean

https://www.rightturn.com/tire-guide/tire-wear-bar/

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