Essential Tips For Preparing Your Car for A Road Trip

Going on a road trip is exciting, with Canada being one of the most beautiful countries to travel around. On these trips, your car is everything. It gets you from A to B and further, so ensuring it's adequately prepared is crucial.

We explore the essential tips for preparing your car for a road trip and why they matter. However, if you're looking for a more thorough check and need a car dealership, Laval has experts like Desmeules Chrysler that can help.

Tips For Preparing Your Car Before a Road Trip

Here are our top ten tips for preparing your car before a road trip:

1. Check Your Vehicle's Fluids

Your vehicle's fluids are essential components that should be kept at their ideal levels at all times, especially before a long journey like a road trip. Vehicle fluids include:

• Engine oil: This lubricates and cools the engine, reduces friction and prevents wear.
• Coolant/antifreeze: Essential for cars in cooler climates, this maintains optimal engine temperature through heat absorption and prevents freezing in cold temperatures.
• Windshield washer fluid: Cleans the windshield and improves visibility by removing dirt and debris.

Many of these fluids, like those mentioned above, can be checked and topped up by the driver. However, some fluids like brake fluid, air conditioning refrigerant and power-steering fluid can only be replenished by an expert.

When it comes to car maintenance, Laval dealership Desmeules Chrysler can help. Our team of experts are on hand to support your vehicle's fluid needs and beyond.

2. Inspect The Tires and Brakes

Your tires keep your car on the road, and your brakes keep you safe. Therefore, they are arguably the vehicle’s most important safety aspects and should be checked regularly.

Before going on a long trip is a prime time to check your tires and brakes. You can do this by:

• Inspecting the tires for any visible damage, such as cuts or bulges
• Checking the tire pressure using a pressure gauge
• Assessing the tread depth using a depth gauge
• Testing the brakes by gently applying pressure while driving slowly in a safe location. Monitor for any unusual noises or vibrations
• Testing an emergency stop

If you experience any issues during these checks, a professional should look at the vehicle as soon as possible. The service department of your local dealership will be able to rectify any present issues before you take your vehicle on a road trip.

3. Ensure Proper Lighting and Visibility

The longer your road trip, the higher the chance of a driver travelling at night. This is even more likely during winter when Canadian daylight hours are much shorter.

Therefore, making sure that lighting is working efficiently and that you have good visibility is crucial. These checks include the following:

• Ensuring all lights are working properly
• Making sure there are no cracks or chips in your windscreen
• Filling up on washer fluid to avoid blocking your view while driving

4. Pack Emergency Supplies

This is a general tip for any road trip and applies to your vehicle. Drivers should always pack emergency supplies for themselves in case of an emergency breakdown. These can include plenty of food and water, a portable device charger and a first aid kit.

In regards to your vehicle, there are emergency supplies such as:

• A spare tire
• A tire repair kit
• A torch
• Jump leads

While you will, hopefully, not need them on your road trip, it's certainly better to have them than not. These supplies can stay in your car year-round and can be purchased from a dealership or car supply store.

Why Is It Important To Prepare Your Car Before A Road Trip?

The Canadian Centre For Occupational Health And Safety describes the above preparation as a vehicle inspection. It states, "A vehicle inspection or circle check is a physical and visual inspection of the vehicle before you use it. Making a report of issues helps ensure the vehicle is safe to use. Use the vehicle manual or manufacturer’s guide to help customize your inspection."

Preparing your vehicle before a road trip will help make the journey safer and give drivers peace of mind that they have done everything they can for a safe trip.

Solve All Your Vehicle Maintenance Needs With Desmeules Chrysler

Although many checks can be done yourself, a trusted dealership can ensure your vehicle is maintained and road-trip ready.

At Desmeules Chrysler, we have one of the best vehicle service departments Laval offers. Our maintenance and repair services can leave your car in the best shape possible. The experts in our service department will carefully assess your vehicle, identify any faults and carry out preventive maintenance that will last.

Book your service appointment today by contacting the team and prepare your vehicle for any upcoming road trips you may have.