Summer is in full swing, which means countless residents of Medford, Oregon, are eager to embark on their next road trip. But before you hit the road this summer, you should plan to make time to complete the following fundamental vehicle maintenance tasks to ensure your car is well prepared for the trip.
Air Conditioning
Your air conditioner will be a vital part of keeping you and your car cool while traveling to your final destination this summer. Without the cooling air dispensed from the air conditioner, your car may be susceptible to overheating. Be sure your car’s air conditioning is operating properly prior to taking off on your trip. This means looking at the unit’s compressor, belts, and refrigerant levels. Many auto shops can check these elements quickly. If you opt to bring your vehicle in for a professional maintenance check-up, ask your technicians to examine your engine coolants and top them off if they are low.
Tires
Hot summer temperatures can place a strain on your tires, as the warm air causes them to expand in the day and contract when they become cooler at night. Make sure your tires are in tip-top condition before your trip to avoid any serious problems while you are on the road. Check your tires for any signs of wear and tear in your tread. If everything looks good, focus your attention on your tire pressure. Aim to check your pressure in the mornings and at night to get an accurate reading.
Brakes
Checking your brakes will require you to look behind the tires to get a good view of the brake pads and calipers. The primary thing you should check is the amount of brake padding present. A lack of padding can result in severely damaged rotors, so it’s important to ensure there is enough there to support you throughout your road trip.
Protection
If you’re planning to leave your vehicle out in the sun for an extended period of time at any point throughout your trip, consider purchasing a windows panel to protect your car’s interior from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
