Tips for Preparing Your Vehicle for a Road Trip

Summer has finally arrived and families are more excited than ever to hit the open road. After months of restricted travel, Americans have been given the green light to ditch the masks and pick a destination.

Preparing for your road trip requires more than packing a bag, though. It is crucial to prepare your vehicle as well, especially for those who have neglected routine maintenance in the last year.

Here at Miracle Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, your Reading car dealership, our service technicians have provided some summertime trip tips. Before hitting the road, be sure to do the following:

• Check the tires.
  Conduct a thorough inspection of all four tires – and the spare. Check for cuts, gouges or sidewall bulges as well as signs of uneven tire tread wear. Remember that the tire pressure should match the recommendation found in your owner’s manual.Make sure your vehicle is up to date on tire rotations before leaving town and check the tires periodically during your travels.
• Test the brakes.
  Listen carefully when you brake. If you hear squeaking, grinding of any abnormal noises, schedule an inspection to check your brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums and fluid levels.
•  Make sure your battery is in good condition.
  It is helpful to know the age of your battery. Checking that it is in good condition before your trip is a good idea – and just might prevent you from needing a jump at a gas station!
• Check all fluid levels.
  Make sure that all fluids are at the correct levels before starting your adventure, including:
  • Engine oil
  • Transmission fluid
  • Power steering fluid
  • Coolant
  • Brake fluid
  • Windshield washer fluid
• Properly maintain air filters.
  To ensure your vehicle achieves peak performance, check both the cabin and engine air filters.
• Check belts and hoses.
  As a general rule, replace drive belts every 60,000 miles. If radiator hoses are bulging, worn, brittle or too soft, replace them immediately.
• Test your A.C.
  Another important tip for a road trip is to make sure that your air conditioner is functioning properly before hitting the road, especially if you have a warm destination programmed into Google maps!
• Check your lights.
  Make sure your headlights and all interior lights work in the vehicle.
• Stock your emergency kit.
  Be sure to include the following in your emergency kit before leaving Reading, PA:
  • Flashlight and extra fresh batteries
  • First-aid supplies
  • Basic tool kit
  • Drinking water
  • Non-perishable snack foods
  • Treats for pets (if applicable)
  • Jumper cables
  • Emergency flares or reflectors
  • Rain poncho
  • Duct tape
  • Gloves,
  • Rags or paper towels
  • COVID precautionary gear (hand sanitizer, face masks, sanitized wipes for cleaning,etc)

Looking to Buy a New Vehicle Before Taking a Road Trip? Visit Miracle Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Today!

If you’re ready to buy a new vehicle in Reading, Pennsylvania, we are here to help! Our huge selection includes something for everyone, from fuel-efficient hybrids to luxurious full-sized sedans – like the 2021 Chrysler 300. Plus, as your Reading Jeep dealership, we’ve got an unbeatable variety of Jeeps!

• Compass
• Cherokee
• Grand Cherokee
• Gladiator
• Wrangler
• Renegade

With summer travel on the agenda, our family-friendly Chrysler and Dodge SUVs are perfect for transporting cargo and kiddos. The 2021 RAM 1500 is also great for adventures, with plenty of trim levels to choose from. Click here to start shopping!

Don’t forget to check out our certified pre-owned vehicles – right here at YOUR local car dealership in Reading, Pennsylvania! Come see us today!