Is Your Car Ready for Your Summer Holiday Road Trip? Our Best Advice

Is your car ready for your summer holiday road trip? Let’s see some practical tips to experience the summer together with your vehicle.

One of the best things about summer is getting the family in the car and going on a trip. Your vehicle is not just a means of transport, but a companion that deserves excellent care. Whether you head to the beach, a lake house, or out of town to visit your relatives, it’s essential to have everything you need. 

Is your car ready for your summer holiday road trip?

Take the time you need to pack everything and organize your car for a road trip to increase convenience and efficiency as much as possible. It is a necessary operation for a peaceful and stress-free journey.

Is your car ready for your summer holiday road trip? Don’t worry! We’re here to help.

Check Your Car Before the Trips

Braking System

As it subject the braking system to continuous stress, it is advisable to have the operation of the pads, discs, and parking brake checked before setting off. Also, if during braking the pedal behaves abnormally or you hear a hiss or whistling coming from the wheels, then it means that brake control is necessary.

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Braking System

Tire Pressure and Condition

Especially if you travel in summer, it is essential to check the tires before leaving. In fact, in hot weather, the tire pressure changes, and this could be risky because a low pressure causes the rubber to overheat.

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Tire Pressure and Condition

It leads to a consequent loss of grip on the asphalt and, therefore, to an increase in braking. It is also essential to check that the tread depth is within limits set by law.

Airbags

It often takes airbags for granted, but this is not always the case. If something is wrong, the fault is signaled by the warning lights on the car control panel, but in models, over 15 years old, this may not happen. For this reason, when in doubt, it is always better to check the airbags.

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Airbags

The Oil and Coolant Level

In hot weather, it is essential to keep the oil and coolant levels under control. Doing this step is quick, and you need not go to the mechanic. However, a fundamental thing to keep in mind is that the oil must be homologated (it contains this information in the vehicle registration document).

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The Oil and Coolant Level

Otherwise, it could damage the engine, clog the anti-smog filter or ruin the catalyst and lambda probe. It is also good to always keep a small tank of oil with you to avoid being caught unprepared.

Shock Absorbers

Just give a push down on the hood and observe how the shock absorber returns to average height. If it does it with a regular movement, then it means that the shock absorbers are efficient.

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Shock Absorbers

Otherwise, it is necessary to have them checked by an expert mechanic in Toyota car maintenance in Dayton Ohio. They should be shown after every 60 thousand kilometers approximately.

Tips for Travelling by Car in Summer Holiday

Organization

The most critical aspect of preparing your car is to learn some necessary organizational skills. How you organize your vehicle before a road trip can have a significant impact on the overall experience.

First, put the various items in the car in an order based on how long they will be needed once on the road. For example, you’ll want to make sure passengers have quick and easy access to food and snacks, water, and entertainment items.

Likewise, you will need to ensure convenient access to things like sunglasses, music devices, emergency equipment, navigation equipment. Always remember to plan these items in the car for a long road trip.

Space Saving

Some people have space problems when trying to fill their car with everything they need for the summer holidays. However, it is a relatively simple problem to solve.

First, prioritize your items and do not over-pack them. Prepare what you need based on the duration of the trip and what you will do. Add extra items only if you have free space.

Second, use space-saving techniques to pack. It includes:

  • Using vacuum bags for items such as towels and pillows.
  • Roll clothes instead of folding them
  • Store smaller items inside the shoes
  • Using space under the car seats
  • The addition of a trunk over the roof of the car

So, finding enough space in your vehicle may take some creativity.

Even if you know where you are familiar with your destination, it is always good to bring navigation equipment with you. It can include anything from a map to a satellite navigation device.

However, if you have a smartphone, you can also use it as a navigator. It’s beneficial to find essential services such as hospitals, roadside help, and restaurants.

Snacks and Drinks

When deciding what to pack for a trip, never forget food and drinks. Whether you are driving two hours or twenty, you need to bring snacks and beverages. It is especially important to have children on board, who we know are less patient if they are hungry.

Carrying something to eat instead of relying on restaurants or gas stations can save you a lot of money while traveling. Also, it might be a good idea to bring a cooler to keep drinks and other perishable foods cold. Even if you have air conditioning in your car, food can get too hot if left in the sun.

Sun Protection

Speaking of the sun, it IS always best to keep sunscreen on hand when organizing your car for a summer trip. Whether you have your windows open or closed, you can still burn while sitting in the car.

For passengers, bring window shades or other items to provide shade during the journey. They cannot travel by car, but at least they will prevent the sun from entering. As a driver, you should not inhibit your visibility by covering the windows, but you can and should wear sunglasses.

Fun and Jokes

It is easy for passengers to get bored on long journeys during summer travel. While most adults will be content with listening to music or getting lost in their thoughts, children will demand more entertainment.

We recommend that you let your children carry their mobile board games, coloring books, drawings, toys, etc. If they have electronic devices such as a tablet, phone, or iPod, that will probably be enough to get them through some time.

Just remember to bring your car adapters to charge these electronic devices. If you’re a driver who gets bored quickly on long journeys, it might be worth buying some audiobooks.

Prepare for Emergencies

You may wonder, “How do I arrange my car for a long road trip to prepare for emergencies?” It is an important question to ask yourself, as you never know what will happen on the road.

In most cases, in an emergency, you will have your mobile phone. Call the breakdown or roadside help services based on your situation. However, it is also essential to have the required emergency equipment with you, such as.

Extra water – in case you’re stuck in the heat

  • A basic tool kit
  • A tactical flashlight and extra batteries – in case of problems during the night
  • A first aid kit – to cover minor injuries
  • Street light fixtures: to protect your car and family while on the roadside
  • Clamps – in case the battery fails
  • Tire changing tools and spare wheel – to replace a flat tire

Final Words

Is your car ready for your summer holiday road trip? An enjoyable holiday is like a tasty dish. We must prepare it with care. For minimizing the risk during the summer holidays, check the car in due time. Make cleanliness a priority, especially if you are traveling with children. Keep your car clean or easy to clean with the help of quality accessories such as these for Holden Colorado. You can get floor liners and seat covers for your ute and a protective cover for its exterior too. And never leave home without wipes, hand sanitizers, and trash bags.

Besides car maintenance, we must take many details into consideration before embarking on a trip. It includes analyzing the areas you will visit, looking for one or more hotels based on the holiday, and preparing the family’s luggage.

We hope that this article helps you to prepare for a happy holiday. If you have questions, leave it in the comment section!