Summer is the time for a lot of traditions, but here at Sears Imported Autos, we usually only have one thing on our minds when it comes to summer: road trips! Since we’re also constantly thinking about cars, we like to think of ways to prepare cars for summer road trips. It’s easy to prepare your vehicle to hit the road on hot months with this simple acronym: TOWBIF.

Tires

Check your tire pressure to make sure they’re at the recommended pressure level. You can find the recommended level in your manual or on the side of the tire itself, or you can just google it. Also, don’t take the chance out on the highway with bald or warn out tires.

Oil

It’s always a good idea to change your oil before taking a long drive during the hot months of summer. Even if you had the oil changed recently, it won’t hurt to re-check the oil level on the dipstick, just to make sure you’re still topped off and ready to go.

Windows

Don’t go on any major trips with cracked windshields. Cracks always get worse due to vibrations from the road and expansion from the heat. Also, take the opportunity to clean your windshield every time you stop for gas. It’s easier to lightly clean it periodically than to wait for a heavy clean at the very end.

Battery, Brakes, and Belts

Okay, we know this is actually three different items, but they’re all very important. If any of these fails on a road trip, it can cause you to be stranded in a strange place or maybe even worse. Take the time to visually inspect these items before you leave to make sure they’re in working order, and if you think any of these might have problems, don’t take the chance with them out on the road. Plus, make sure you have a set of jumper cables packed somewhere in your car, just in case.

Interior

Nothing clutters up a car like packing the whole family in there with all their gear. Your car will become cluttered on a road trip, so clear out anything you don’t need ahead of time to make it easier to stay organized out on the road, as well as easier to clean at the end of the trip.

Fluids

Make sure all fluids are topped off. Not just the oil as mentioned above, but power steering fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and especially coolant. Windshield wiper fluid is vital to keeping your view unobstructed at high speeds on the interstate, and your car really needs coolant, especially in the hot summer sun.

Here’s the good news: the Sears Imported Autos service team-members are pros at checking all of the above. Schedule a checkup with our service department before any big trips you might have planned to ensure that your car is ready for your summer road trip.