Summer Road Trip: Is your car up to the trek? 

You’ve planned your itinerary, made your reservations, packed your bags, but there’s one more important step before you set off on a summer road trip. Give your car a thorough check up! Whether you’re headed to the Florida beaches, visiting family in Colorado, or embarking on a National Parks tour, a maintenance inspection will help ensure you enjoy your vacation destination, and not find yourself sitting in a repair shop.  

Follow this checklist before rolling the top down and driving off into the sunset: 

Chris Best, store manager at Pumpelly Tire in Lake Charles recommends you start with the tires. Check the tire pressure of all your tires, including your spare tire. Inspect the tires’ tread for wear. You may need to replace some or all of the tires before hitting the road. Alignment should also be evaluated. “As a rule of thumb, we recommend our customers have their alignment checked every 30,000 miles or once a year,” says Best. “But if you notice signs of misalignment, such as uneven tire wear or if the vehicle pulls to the left or right, we recommend an alignment check.” 

“One of the simplest and most cost-effective measures to ensure your car stays in top shape is by scheduling regular wheel alignments,” adds Dustin Corbello, store manager at Pumpelly Tire in Sulphur. Proper alignment extends the life of your tire by decreasing wear. You’ll experience better handling and improved fuel efficiency, saving you money in the long run. An alignment check can take from 30 minutes to an hour to complete; but the time is well spent. 

Oil and other fluids such as brake, transmission, radiator, and even wiper fluid should all be set to maximum levels. 

No one can argue, brakes are vital when it comes to safety. Your brakes should not squeak, grind, or cause the car to shake when applied. Brake pads should be replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles to keep wear to a minimum, and rotors should be replaced between 50,000 and 70,000 miles. 

Air conditioning is especially important in these steamy southern summer climates, and the AC and cooling systems can get quite a workout on long car drives. This is more of a comfort factor than a safety issue. If your car isn’t colling properly, it could be the air filters, a fuse, or the freon level. 

The steering and suspension system determines whether your ride is smooth as you navigate your destination. 

For full visibility and safety on your adventure, especially at night, verify all lights are working properly – headlights, taillights, blinkers, and brake lights.  

How’s your car’s battery? Inspect the battery to ensure the terminals are clean and clear of corrosion. A car mechanic, even an auto parts store employee, can check the condition of your battery. 

And while you’re inspecting the mechanical aspects of your car, take a look at your inspection sticker. Better for you to be aware of the expiration date than the policeman along the highway.  

For information or to make an appointment, call Pumpelly Tire 337-477-9850 in Lake Charles or 337-527-6355 in Sulphur.