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Five Tips On Getting Your Car Summer Road-Trip Ready
Summer is almost upon us and with warm weather and vacation time comes a season of road-trips with friends and family. Whether it's driving up north to cottage country or to either of Canada's beautiful, scenic coasts, it's likely that one of these hazy summer days, you'll be embarking on a (very) long drive. While road-trips can be fun and memorable, there's a lot that can go wrong if you don't prepare your vehicle for the journey. Driving nonstop for several hours can take a toll on you and your trusty automobile. Here is a list of five things to do before your big trip that'll ensure your car is up for the challenge.
1. Change your engine oil
Most oil companies suggest changing your oil every 5,000 kilometres or six months. If you're due for an oil-change close to your trip, do it before you leave. Driving long distances with dirty oil and sludge clogging your engine is just a disaster waiting to happen. An oil-change will mean less gas consumption and a better overall performance from your engine; exactly what you need for a headache-free road trip.
2. Check your air filter
Your engine needs oxygen to produce the combustive force that makes it run. Your engine's air filter ensures that this air is clean and free of grit, which helps your car run more efficiently. It's a good idea to check the condition of your filter every 9,000 kilometres or so, and especially before a long trip. They're not very expensive or difficult to change so it'll definitely be worth it to avoid future hassles on the road.
3. Check your tires
Make sure your tires are correctly inflated. This will ensure that they aren't undergoing unnecessary friction while driving, which will prevent a flat tire on the road. The pressure printed on the side of a tire is actually the maximum it can hold and not the optimum. Take a look in your car's manual for the correct amount. While you're at it, you might as well check the treads of your tires to make sure they're in shape for a long journey.
4. Make sure you have a spare tire
Even with your diligent tire-maintenance, there are no guarantees while on the road. That's why you should make sure you have a fully inflated spare tire stored in your car in case of emergencies. Remember that just having the tire isn't enough; double-check that you have a car-jack, wrench and all the other supplies that you need to actually change your tire. The last thing you want is to get stranded on an obscure expressway, waiting for someone else to bail you out.
5. Check your engine coolant
An overheated engine could lead to some serious damage, so before you leave for your trip, pop open your hood and check if you have enough engine coolant. Coolant, a mixture of water and antifreeze, typically lasts quite a while but there's no harm in checking whether it needs to be changed or if you have enough. The liquid regulates the temperature of your engine, which is crucial if you're driving in drastically hotter or colder climates.
Follow this checklist and your car will be prepared for what the road brings you. Fill up your tank before you leave and make sure you're well-rested before you set off. Plan a scenic route to stave off any boredom and keep the kids busy with board-games and DVDs in the backseat. Most of all, be safe and have fun. Good luck.
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