Now is the perfect time to take advantage of the summertime sun with a road trip. However, if you want to explore new areas of the country safely, you’ll need to make sure your vehicle is up for travel. Here are some auto maintenance steps to take before hitting the road.

Auto Maintenance to Handle Before a Road Trip

1. Top Off Your Fluids

Your car needs fluids to maintain a functioning engine, as they do everything from lubricating moving parts to smoothing out gear shifts. Your car’s make and model, as well as its mileage, determines how often you should change its fluids. If you anticipate reaching the recommended mileage while on your trip, take care of the fluid changes beforehand.

2. Check the Battery

Your car needs a functioning battery to produce enough power to start. While this isn’t an expensive auto part to replace, many drivers still take it for granted. To avoid getting stranded on an unknown road, check the battery ahead of time. If it doesn’t hold enough charge, consider replacing it before it fails entirely.

3. Examine Your Tires

A tire blowout is an unfortunate experience to have during a road trip, especially if you're far from an auto repair shop or don't have a spare. Check the condition of all of your tires and ensure they have adequate pressure before leaving. Overinflated tires will make the ride less pleasant, and underinflated ones reduce the car's fuel economy, so follow your vehicle manufacturer's guidelines and check the pressure every 1,000 miles.

4. Clean Your Headlights

You don't want to drive down a dark road during your trip only to discover your bulbs are blown. Stay safe by making sure all the lights are working and bright beforehand. You should also clean the headlights to maximize the brightness, so you have a clear line of sight when driving at night.

Before you head out on your next summer road trip, go to Dee’s Auto Care Specialists for all of your auto maintenance needs. With convenient locations in La Crosse and Onalaska, WI, and Winona, MN, their skilled technicians provide an extensive list of preventative maintenance and repair services. Whether you need an oil change or have a problem with your engine, their team will find the best solution and get you back on the road. To learn more about their services and rates, visit them online or call (608) 782-2530 today.