Getting ready for that first summer road trip

By Doug McAllister

Paddock Publications

Finally it's spring, I think!

We are starting to roll down our car windows and think about summer driving and getting our cars whipped into shape from the winter. From getting all the mechanical aspects of your car checked over to a good wash and wax, now is the time to get ready for all those summer road trips.

Many of us will take to the road this year for the family vacation. Service technicians always remind clients in the spring about all the items that should be checked over before that first road trip.

• The braking system, including all the hydraulic components.

• All of the belts and hoses and the rest of the cooling system.

• Shocks, struts and the rest of the steering and suspension, including your wheel alignment.

• Make sure all of your lights work and that the headlights are clear.

• Are you up to date on all the scheduled maintenance like fluid flushes, tune up, timing belt (if equipped), fuel system service and oil change?

• Be sure to test the battery. They fail as often in the heat as they do in the cold, maybe more.

• Don't forget about the tires. If you have 4/32nds or less tread, it's time to be thinking about a set of tires.

Many of us are getting our summer toys and trailers out of storage and planning to use them soon. Don't forget the importance of cleaning and repacking wheel bearings, especially on boat trailers.

Also, typically the tires on a trailer will age out before they wear out. It is not uncommon for repair shops to service a boat trailer that has 15-year-old tires on it. This is not a safe situation as an old tire like that can come apart on the road and cause plenty of grief.

If you need help with your trailer, there are often trailer companies in the area and most shops are more than willing to perform basic service on most types of trailers.