There is no denying that summer is the perfect time for a road trip. However, if you don’t follow a few helpful tips you can end up spending most of your vacation time waiting on the side of the road for help to arrive. There is a myriad of reasons why a road trip doesn’t go to plan. And, believe it or not, almost all of them can be prevented with a bit of common sense and some helpful tips and tricks to keep you on the road safely for longer.

How to Stay on the Road for Longer During Your Next Road Trip

TenEyck Distributing knows more than a thing or two about how to keep motorists and their vehicles on the road for longer, and has prepared the following article to help you do just that!

Tire Condition

Just because they are heavy and sturdy, it doesn’t mean that your tires are impenetrable. In fact, your tires are one of the most damage susceptible parts of your vehicle. Why? Because they have to defend themselves against everything that you decide to drive on and through! With this in mind, consider the torture you put your tires through and take some time to check on their condition. Keep your eyes out for the following:

• Any debris lodged in your tread
• Do you even have enough tread?
• Are there any spots on the tire which are completely free of tread?
• Is there anything stuck in the tire itself?

If you can see any of the above or your tire condition just doesn’t look good enough for the long drive ahead, before you leave is the best time to get them checked out. It could be something as simple as getting your tires rotated or having one replaced – you won’t know until you take it to your mechanic for a professional opinion.

Tire Pressure

While you are checking your tire condition, spend a very small amount of time ensuring their pressure is at the correct level. In addition to helping to keep your gas usage down by having the right pressure, this small piece of tire maintenance can actually improve your vehicle’s handling, helping you to avoid problems at high speed easier.

Fluid Levels

Believe it or not, low fluid levels are one of the leading causes of motorists missing out on valuable beach time, instead spending the summer sun waiting on the side of the road with steam pouring from their radiator. Here are the most important fluids to check:

• Engine Oil
• Coolant
• Brake Fluid
• Transmission Fluid
• Wiper Fluid

While the tip can seem basic, something as simple as low or poor quality engine oil can see your vehicle not only perform less than it can but can result in your engine not working at all! Similarly, if your coolant levels are low then you can bet your radiator isn’t going to last the distance, instead of leaving you stuck and waiting! Click here to buy Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil and keep you and your passengers safe and on the road for longer. If you aren’t sure this is the right product for your engine, don’t be afraid to speak with a friendly professional at TenEyck Distributing by calling (208) 589-4660 to learn more about the importance of engine health during a long drive or even how something as simple as a synthetic oil change in Idaho Falls can help. If you prefer, check out the online store for even more information.

Brakes

Brakes are often taken for granted because during your regular drives you likely back off the gas pedal a short while before you want to stop and then you need only lightly touch the brakes to bring your vehicle to a complete stop. The challenge with this is that it can be difficult to know what condition your brakes are really in. For example, if they are on the brink of wearing out, you may not know it which can cause problems during a road trip driving at high speed when you need to hit the brakes hard to avoid a problem on the road. A quick visual inspection of your brake pads is all it takes to know whether they’re going to stop your vehicle when you need it. With your vehicle in the bright sunlight, take a look at your brake pads and look at whether you can see an indicator pin, there is any debris or film covering them, or they are just plain ready to be replaced! If you can see any problems – get them replaced!

Electrics

Is one of your headlamps a little dimmer than the other? Is your indicator light blinking faster than usual? Are you pretty sure one of your tail lights isn’t working? As minor as you might think these issues are, they can seriously affect your road trip. Why? Because you can’t drive the night portion of your trip with just one headlamp is it blows. Other motorists can’t see you clearly without both of your tail lights. And, your driving intentions aren’t going to be displayed correctly if one of your indicators decides that your road trip is the best time to blow its bulb. With your car in the garage or outside at night, check your electrics with you in the driver seat activating them all and somebody walking around your vehicle checking it’s all in good working order. If anything needs replacing, you’ll likely find that the bulb or fuse will be sold as a pair. Once you replace the one which needs repair, keep the spare in your trunk for the drive – just in case.

A Synthetic Oil Change in Idaho Falls Can Prep Your Vehicle for a Long Drive

The above tips are great ways to keep your car in good shape for a road trip, but nothing beats a synthetic oil change in Idaho Falls. To learn more about how this easy and simple piece of engine maintenance can help keep your vehicle on the road for longer, speak with TenEyck Distributing today by calling (208) 589-4660, and get some expert advice and high-quality products.