Prepare Your Car for Your Summer Road Trip in Idaho
Make Every Mile Count with a Safe, Smooth Ride
There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road in the summer, and a well-prepared vehicle is the key to a stress-free adventure. Before you load the snacks and turn up your road trip music, follow these simple steps to make sure your car is road-ready.
Road Trip Car Maintenance Checklist
At Rexburg Car Shop, we are here to help you get where you need to go while having a great vacation. Here are our top expert tips to help you prepare your car for your summer road trip. And, if you want a Rexburg car inspection before you go, we are ready to help! Call 208-356-5757 to schedule an inspection.
1. Check Your Tires (Including the Spare!)
Hot or wet pavement and worn-out tires don’t mix. Make sure to inspect the tread depth using the penny test.
To perform the penny test, insert a penny into the tread of your tire with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is too shallow and it’s time to replace your tires. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, your tires still have enough depth for safe driving.
Look for uneven wear or bulging as well, as this could increase risk of tire failure on the road.
And, of course, check the air pressure—your owner’s manual will list the ideal PSI.
2. Top Off or Replace Fluids
Your car relies on more than just gas. Summer heat puts extra stress on your vehicle’s fluids:
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Engine oil
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Coolant/antifreeze
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Transmission fluid
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Windshield washer fluid
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Brake fluid
Make sure your fluids are topped off and clean. If you need help, our mechanics at Rexburg Car Shop can help you get all set to go.
3. Inspect Brakes
A long descent through the mountains isn’t the best time to discover your brakes are squeaking. If your brakes feel soft, grind, or squeal, it’s time for a pro to take a look.
It’s a good idea to schedule a brake check before any major trip.
4. Test Your Battery
Extreme heat can quickly drain an already weak battery. If your battery is more than 3 years old, play it safe and stop by for a quick battery test. We’ll check the voltage and ensure your terminals are clean and corrosion-free.
5. Test Lights, Wipers & Safety Gear
Visibility is everything. It’s important to test headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and interior lights, not only for night driving, but also safety on the road.
Test out your windshield wipers to make sure they work well. If they’re worn or smear the glass, it’s a good idea to replace them in case a summer storms hits.
We also advise travelers to pack an emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, and water. That way you’ll be prepared for any unexpected situations that arise.
6. Check the A/C System
No one wants to spend a 6-hour drive in a hot car. If your A/C isn’t blowing cold or has a musty smell, it’s time for a recharge or filter change.
We’ll make sure your summer ride stays cool inside and out. Come in today if your car A/C needs a tune-up!
7. Get a Pre Trip Car Inspection
If you’re unsure about your car’s condition, don’t take chances. Our team can give your car a Grammy Check, which is our version of a bumper-to-bumper inspection. We are meticulous in our inspections and don’t overlook anything so we can catch any hidden issues before they interrupt your summer plans. Schedule your pre-trip car inspection today!