Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner and is expected to pave way for more than 36 million travelers, according to the Accuweather Memorial Day Travel Forecast.
Eighty-eight percent of those travelers (31.8 million) are projected to travel by automobile and it’s best to plan that summer road trip in advance. The smallest vehicle hiccup can derail your Memorial Day or summer vacation plans. But fear not! There are simple measures you can take before you hit cruise control to ensure a smooth summer road trip experience.
Properly servicing and inspecting your vehicle prior to starting your road trip can make all the difference. RepairPal, the definitive consumer resource for all things auto, has provided a few tips for a seamless summer road trip:
- Take a Test Run: It’s usually the small things that can cause the biggest problems — check your A/C to ensure it’s working at full capacity and test every window to make sure there are no issues. Don’t forget to test out a few hills and get those brakes all warmed up. If you experience any screeching or grinding be sure to visit your local mechanic and get those repaired prior to starting your trip. Also, be sure to test out the radio (and any video components) to make sure your tunes and navigations are all set for the road.
- Get a Check-Up: Taking your car in for regular maintenance is critical: A check-up can prevent thousands of dollars in repairs that you may have otherwise run into down the road. Pride Auto Care is running several specials on summer maintenance.
- Read It And (Don’t) Weep: Read your car manual and make sure you understand all dashboard signals so you can properly monitor gauges and understand the meaning of each warning light. These signals are there for a reason — listen to your car and take it in as soon as it tells you something is wrong.
- Beat the Heat: According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, excessive heat can wreak havoc on cars. Engines can overheat (particularly when they strain against hills), and do so more rapidly. This will wear out brakes, electrical, cooling, hydraulics, tires, and batteries — definitely something that can throw a wrench in your travel plans. Monitor the external temperatures as well as your gauges to make certain you understand what, if any, impact the heat is having on your car. Know when to pull over and chill out.
- It’s All About Fun: Make sure your family and friends are prepared with entertainment as well as safety equipment to deliver peace of mind. Download music, games and videos along with a few snacks and drinks for the road. Make sure chargers are plentiful, particularly for smartphones as they come in handy both for entertaining purposes and calling for assistance in case of emergency. While we never like to think about potential disasters occurring, we all know its “better safe than sorry,” so pack a road hazard kit equipped with a tire jack, first aid kits, and blankets.
- Arm Yourself with Apps: Prior to your trip, download helpful apps that include roadside assistance features (like RepairPal, and weather alerts), map out your route, and research helpful guidelines and suggestions for a successful trip.
There are so many beautiful spots right here in Colorado and all of them are within a few hours of Denver. Have fun and stay safe out there friends.