Summer road trips create some of the best memories. On these outings with your family, your vehicle is carrying the most precious cargo. You need your vehicle to be in top condition to protect your family and friends. Use the tire care tips found in this article to prepare for a summer full of fun and safe travels, whether it’s an extended cross-country trek or frequent shorter drives to the nearby beach.
Start with a pre-trip inspection
It’s best to get any problems out of the way before they have a chance to interrupt your trip. So, fefore getting in your car for a long drive, you should first check that itdoesn’t have any obvious signs of damage or potential risks. If your vehicle hasn’t been to a tire shop near you recently, it might be a good time to do a full vehicle inspection. However, if it has had a recent inspection, then there are a few safety items that you can check on your own. Here’s what you should do during your pre-trip inspection.
Check your tire pressure
First and foremost, check your tire pressure. Note that different vehicles can have different pressure requirements. You can find the ideal tire pressure for your make and model marked in the door jamb on the driver’s side. Then, use a tire pressure gauge to read each tire.
If you’re lucky enough to have one, your vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) should let you know if and when there are ever any pressure conditions that should be addressed. However, it’s always best to do your own manual readings as well, just in case your tire pressure monitor sensors malfunction.
Checking your tire pressure will tell you if the tires are over or under inflated, as well as whether there are any leaks due to punctures. An inspection of the tires as you refill (or release) pressure can highlight any lodged debris, bulges, or uneven tread wear.
While you’re inspecting the pressure, also take care to look at your treads. If the tires are old and losing tread depth, it’s best to replace the set for increased tire safety.
Inspect your wipers
Road trips are exciting because you never know what you’ll come across along the way. However, not every surprise is welcome. Mud splashing onto the windshield, a sudden rainstorm, or driving behind a commercial truck and having debris fling up onto the windshield are some of the surprises no one wants to encounter. It’s also why it pays to check your windshield wipers before the trip to make sure they’re in good working order to handle all that your adventure can throw at them. As a standard, if your wipers are older than eighteen months, it’s time to replace them.
Top up vehicle fluids
Your vehicle’s fluids function similarly to water in the human body. Water hydrates muscles, joints, and tendons, allowing them to move smoothly. Being hydrated helps with digestion, blood circulation, and more. In a similar fashion, having sufficient fluids in your vehicle helps it run smoothly and gives it what it needs to stay functioning at its best.
One of the fluids that needs frequent replacing is windshield washer fluid. Make sure to top it up and have an extra jug handy in your vehicle too. That way if you’re caught on a muddy road, you’ll be able to maintain clear visibility of the road. When your vehicle is in a tire shop near you, ask that the technician check that other fluids (coolant, oil) are at their recommended levels.
Summer tire maintenance
Take your vehicle into a tire shop near you for tire alignment, rotation, and balancing, especially if this hasn’t been done recently. These services increase tire safety on the road by optimizing their position on the vehicle and how they carry weight.
Check interior and exterior lights
Before starting your road trip, it’s always worth it to check that the interior and exterior lights are working properly. Pump the brakes and have a partner help you to make sure the red lights come on at the rear of the vehicle and that other drivers will have a clear sign that you’re stopping. Check that all the interior lights are working too, in case you need to see something in your car when it’s dark.
Test your hazards in case you need to turn them on during an emergency or for side-road assistance. Check your headlights and foglights so you will have clear visibility on the road and so that you’re visible to other vehicles at night and during foggy or rainy conditions.
Go for a test drive before a long trip
If time permits, take your vehicle for a shorter test drive before going for the real trip. Do this after the previous checks to make sure that they’ve all been done properly and that nothing has been missed. If possible, do the test drive with all of the weight that will be present for the long trip (the same people, luggage, trunk cargo, and trailers).
As you’re on your test drive, look for signs of the following:
- Overheating: With the extra weight of the luggage, gear and passengers, your car is carrying plus the excessive heat of summer, it’s a good idea to look for signs (such as warning lights on the dash) that your engine is overheating. Proper coolant levels. should help you to avoid engine overheating.
- Overloading: Your vehicle’s weight limit is outlined on the inside of the driver’s side door (the same place as the ideal tire pressure). Make sure your weight limit doesn’t exceed that number. This will put extra strain on the tires and lower tire safety.
- Air Conditioning: In the summer we rely on r air conditioning to stay cool and comfortable. Check that your air is circulating well and that your vehicle is efficiently cooling the air.
- Brakes: Make sure your brakes are working smoothly. Do a couple of hard brake tests as well, when safe, to ensure they’ll do their job when needed. If your brakes are clunky or making noise, then your vehicle should be taken to a mechanic.
Tire care tips while on the road
Summer tire maintenance includes a few unique tips since, across North America, no other season brings the harsh UV rays and excessive heat that summer does. Practice these tire care tips when driving in warmer months.
- Park your car in the shade when possible. Not only does this protect the vehicle body from UV rays and the interior from getting as hot, but it also keeps the tires cooler and protected. Heat and UV rays speed up wear on tires, especially since they already get hot when driving at high speeds.
- Consistently check your tire pressure. Heat expands the air molecules within your tires, resulting in a spike in tire pressure. This can actually overinflate the tires and reduce tire safety since an overinflated tire has less traction.
Tire safety and extra tools
On a long road trip, you should pay special attention to your tires as they carry more weight, drive for longer distances at higher speeds, and are exposed to harsh heat. Each time you get in and out of your car, whether you’re stopping for bathroom breaks, a snack, or an overnight somewhere, check your tires for any concerns. You should also travel with the following, in case of tire blowouts, vehicle failures, or other emergencies.
- A spare tire and replacement tools
- A tool kit for easy repairs
- A flashlight for working in the dark
- A first aid kit for any injuries
- Extra water for emergency hydration
- Road flares for visibility
- Jumper cables to start a car
Sailun for professional service and high-quality tires
The safest way to travel this summer is with a fresh set of quality tires. You deserve the peace of mind that comes with tires that are in perfect condition, and ready for adventure. Check out our tire lineup and look for all-season or off-road tires for your vehicle’s size. For additional help or questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.