End of Summer Road Trip?

One Last Summer Road Trip? Get Your Vehicle Ready for the Road Ahead

August always seems to disappear faster than expected. Before long, summer vacations give way to school schedules, morning commutes, sports practices and the return of everyday routines.

But there’s still time to squeeze in one last summer road trip. Whether you’re heading to the coast, camping for the weekend, visiting family or simply taking a final getaway before September arrives, it’s worth making sure your vehicle is ready for the trip and for the busy back-to-school season that follows.

Give Your Vehicle a Quick End-of-Summer Check

Summer driving can be surprisingly tough on a vehicle. Long highway trips, hot pavement, dusty roads, towing and stop-and-go vacation traffic can all contribute to wear.

Before heading out, consider checking:

• Tires: Check tire pressure, tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking or damage.
• Oil and fluids: Make sure your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and windshield washer fluid are at the proper levels.
• Brakes: Squealing, grinding, vibration or a change in pedal feel can be signs your brakes need attention.
• Battery: Summer heat can be hard on batteries. If yours is getting older or you’ve noticed slower starts, have it tested.
• Air and cabin filters: Dust, pollen, wildfire smoke and summer driving can leave filters surprisingly dirty.
• Wipers and lights: With fall bringing shorter days and wetter weather, good visibility becomes increasingly important.

From Road Trips to School Trips

Even if you’re not planning another vacation, late August is a great time for a vehicle inspection.

Back-to-school season often means more short trips, morning starts and stop-and-go driving. If you have teenagers heading back to school or college with their own vehicle, it’s also a good opportunity to make sure their car is safe and reliable before schedules get busy.

A little preventative maintenance now can help catch worn tires, weak batteries, brake issues or overdue maintenance before they turn into an inconvenient breakdown.

So enjoy that final summer adventure. Then make sure your vehicle is ready for everything September has waiting around the corner.