Like most Canadians, Lower Mainland residents can’t wait for summer to arrive so we can begin our road trips across Canada and the US. It’s a great way to visit and enjoy spectacular landmarks, amusement parks, beaches, lakes, mountains and more. Of course, it’s also a great opportunity to spend quality time with our family and have an affordable vacation.
However, you don’t want anything spoiling this, so before you set off on your adventure, you’ll need to make sure that your car is road trip ready. The last thing you would want to do is interrupt your trip in order to look for a repair shop.
How to Get Your Car Road Trip Ready
1. Book a Service at Your Trusted Local Auto Repair Shop
“Better Safe than Sorry” – The last thing you’d want to deal with on a road trip are fluid leaks, clogged filters, broken belts or failing brakes. At Norlang Auto, we will inspect your vehicle’s fluids and filters to ensure your engine will be running smoothly. What’s more, knowing that your belts, brakes and other vital components are in good condition means that it will be less likely you experience any unexpected breakdowns or unfortunate accidents which can ruin your trip.
2. Make Sure Your Air Conditioning Is In Top Condition
In beautiful British Columbia, we don’t normally use our A/C system for most of the year, except for the summer months. Therefore, it’s a good idea to run it for a little while to make sure it will keep you cool on your journeys during the summer months (please read our blog post on what to look for). If you notice any potential issues, your A/C system may need to be cleaned or recharged, or it could have a leak. To ensure that it will do its job properly and keep you and your passengers comfortable, have our expert technicians inspect it.
3. Have Your Tires Inspected
At Norlang Auto, when you bring your vehicle in for a service, we will inspect the condition of your tires. Tires that are in poor condition reduce your car’s performance and fuel efficiency. Most importantly though, they can blow out which is not only inconvenient but also dangerous, especially if you are travelling on highways or on isolated country roads.
4. Assemble An Emergency Kit
If you remember your driver education classes, you probably recall your instructors advising you to have an emergency kit in your vehicle, especially on long road trips. We always think that accidents or emergencies happen to other people. Unfortunately, many of us will experience an automotive malfunction or accident, so having an emergency kit prepared will help us deal with such situations a little more effectively.
You can’t always rely on your cell phone to get you the assistance you need when you need it. So, preparing your kit is essential. Don’t rely on pre-packaged kits since they don’t always contain everything you may need.
A good basic kit should include:
- First aid items
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Road flare
- Warm/reflective blanket
- Tire sealant
- Elastic tie-downs
- Rain poncho
- Cell phone charger
- Extra engine oil
- Gas can
- Tools: jack, crowbar, jumper cables, and a simple tool kit
- Spare tire
- Water and a few extra snacks
Enjoy your road trips this summer and create cherished memories. Make certain your vehicle is in top condition before you set off on your adventure. Don’t waste the precious time you have to enjoy yourself looking for repair shops you may know nothing about in the place your vehicle broke down. By servicing your car at a trusted repair shop will give you that all important peace of mind which will allow you to enjoy your road trip and protect your family’s safety.
Ensure you prepare your car in advance since waiting for the last minute could mean postponing or delaying your road trip. Call us at (604) 888-8681 or book an appointment online. We’ll conduct a thoroughly professional service of your vehicle in order to ensure that it is performing as it should be. Happy trails!