Is your car road ready???

Not much is better than a road trip!  The wind in your hair, the open road, and our beautiful country at your tires.  When you become free of your daily schedules and experience the open road...it's an awesome feeling!  And nothing can ruin it, except for maybe your car breaking down.  Preventative measures are key!  Here I highlight a few pre-trip inspections that you should do before you hit the pavement:
Tires
Check to make sure that your tires are set to the recommended tire pressure and that the tread depth is at an acceptable level.  The max PSI listed on the tire wall is the maximum carry load for your tire, so your tire pressure should never exceed this number.  Over inflation of tires plus high speeds can lead to blowouts.  While low tire pressure increases friction and wear while decreasing mileage.
Battery
Just like the winter cold, the summer heat takes a toll on your battery.  Excessive heat accelerates corrosion and may cause fluid evaporation, which will lead to internal damage.  Check the fluid level in your battery (unless it's factory sealed) and use distilled water to fill.  You want to also check the amount of corrosion on the battery terminals.  Use a brush with steal bristles to clean off any corrosion.
Fluids
Make sure oil, coolant and transmission fluids are topped off before hitting the road.  If it's close to your next scheduled oil change, go ahead and change it early.  You don't want the heat turning dirty oil to sludge, which could cause the engine to seize.  Stick with the same coolant (green or orange) that is already in your vehicle.  Some coolants do not mix well together.
I would also suggest topping off the windshield washer fluid to help clear all those bugs that are sure to splat onto the windshield!  
Lights
Have someone help you make sure that all brake lights, turn signals and headlights are working.

From our family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful summer trip!  Whether by air, land or sea, be safe and have fun!!  

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