Getting excited about summer vacation is easy. Since it’s usually preceded by packing, planning, and securing the house, you may forget about preparing your car for the journey. Your vacation is meant to be relaxing, and you don’t want to start or end it on a bad note by dealing with auto problems that could have been resolved by inflating the tires or getting transmission service. So, below are three ways to get your vehicle ready for summer vacation.

How to Prepare Your Car for Summer Vacation

1. Inflate the Tires

Inspect the tires for cracks or tears. Then, inflate them until they’ve reached the recommended tire pressure found on the sidewall of the tires or the inside of the driver’s side door. This will minimize chances of a flat tire.

2. Refill Fluids

Check the levels of all fluids and ensure they’ve been refilled. For example, oil and transmission fluid are two crucial liquids that keep your vehicle’s engine working. Don’t forget the windshield wiper fluid, either. You’ll likely collect bugs along the journey and need that fluid to clear the windshield.

3. Perform Transmission Service

The transmission transfers the right amount of power to the car’s wheels so that you drive at optimal fuel efficiency and the desired speed. So, it’s important to have the transmission checked before hitting the road. If your vehicle has at least 75,000 miles on it, ask your mechanic to perform transmission service. They will make sure there aren’t any leaks and that the fluids are topped off. 

If you’re taking a summer road trip, bring your vehicle to Northgate Transmissions in Cincinnati, OH. They’ve specialized in transmission service for more than 30 years and can perform repairs for both manual and automatic models, including clutch replacement and a transmission flush. Give them a call at (513) 385-4400 to schedule an appointment for transmission service, or visit their website to learn more about their shop and experience.