If you’re like most Midwesterners, you enjoy taking your family on a summer road trip when the weather gets nice. After sitting indoors all winter, the opportunity to hit the open pavement is very tempting.
However, there are a few things you should take care of before you take off on that epic adventure.
Is Your Vehicle Ready to Go the Distance?
Your best bet for preparing to travel a long distance is to have it professionally inspected. Ideally, you can time it to coincide with a regular oil change (like our package, “The Works,” which includes a multi-point inspection).
If not, a basic inspection shouldn’t be too expensive, unless the mechanic finds a major problem. In that case, it’s good that you found out now instead of when you are 200 miles down the road with your family! The farther you go, the more careful you should be about making sure everything is running smoothly on your car, truck or SUV.
What Should the Inspection Include?
You might be able to complete some of these on your own (wiper blades, checking fluids, inspecting tires) if you have the time and expertise. But if you’re going to the mechanic anyway, it never hurts to provide the service department with a full list of items. After all, you are paying them for a reason.
Road Trip checklist:
- Check oil (change if necessary)
- Change filters (air filter for engine air and cabin air filter for inside of car)
- Fuel system cleaning
- Replace damaged wiper blades
- Inspect tires for wear
- Check suspension
- Test cooling system - summer is hot!
- Check lights (head lights, high beams, turn signal)
- Transmission service
- Check belts
- Top off fluids (coolant, antifreeze, radiator fluid, transmission fluid, wiper fluid)
Auto Service from Quick Lane® Tire and Auto Center
The factory-trained auto service technicians at the Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln Quick Lane® Tire and Auto Center will thoroughly inspect your vehicle’s key components and systems from top to bottom, and then give you an in-depth Vehicle Check-Up Report that will help you easily monitor your car’s or truck’s maintenance needs. No appointment is necessary, so come in anytime.
Because we want you to be ready to hit the road, our service center is featuring specials on oil changes, brakes, batteries, new tires and general service. We might have just the deal you are looking for to get ready for your trip.
How to Enjoy Your Summer Road Trip
Now that we’ve covered the technical part, here are some practical tips for the trip itself.
If done right, road trips for families are enjoyable from start to finish. The fun doesn’t have to start when you arrive at the destination. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy that special road trip just a little more — and maybe save a few bucks while you’re at it.?
- Pack Lots of Snacks - Don’t rely on gas stations. You’ll save time and money and reduce your chances of dealing with hungry family members.
- Plan Ahead - Know your route before you leave. Use online mapping tools, not ancient paper maps, to check for construction and reduce your chances of surprise detours.
- Update Your GPS - If you’re using a Garmin, TomTom or other standalone GPS (other than your phone), update your maps before you leave. If you’re using your phone for GPS, great–you don’t need to update your maps. Make sure you have a phone holder to keep your hands free to drive.
- Pack an Emergency Kit - It’s the Boy Scout motto - always be prepared.
Sioux Falls ‘Great Escapes’
Haven’t decided where you’re headed yet? Click below to read our list of the best “Escapes” in the Sioux Falls area.