As the weather starts to warm up, we start to remember the summer road trips that we took last year and just how much fun they were. Whether it was something short like a weekend away to the beach or you took the family on a week-long driving vacation to visit distant relatives or just experience nature, spirits were high and so were the temperatures.

How to Prepare Your Car for a Summer Road Trip

If this sounds familiar, then you likely performed some small maintenance and inspections on your vehicle before your journey. Unfortunately, for most drivers, this was the last time they performed basic engine maintenance like a synthetic oil change. To prepare your car for this year's summer road journey and prevent you from being stuck along the way, Ace Hi Oil has put together a top list of items to check before taking your car on this year's summer road trip.

Air Filter

Your car's air filter is responsible for ensuring only clean air is taken into your engine which is then mixed with your fuel and ignited. If your air filter becomes clogged, it can no longer perform its task which deprives your engine of one of the main components it needs for the general combustion process. Lift the hood and locate the housing of your air filter. Remove the cover, then your air filter, and inspect the quality of the fibers inside. If they are looking like they have seen better days, replace it.

Fluid Levels

While many motorists are aware that their engine needs oil, there are a number of other fluids which are equally as important to the operation of your vehicle. Along with your engine lubricant, check your power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and your coolant levels. If any of these are low, top them up before you travel. Leaving something simple like a synthetic oil change until "next time" can result in a ruined vacation due to something as simple as not pouring fluid in a tank. If your engine oil is running low, speak with Ace Hi Oil at (888) 459-9958 and ask about the best synthetic oil for your engine. If it has been a while since you replaced your oil, consider performing a synthetic oil change before your journey to give your engine a boost.

Tires

When it comes to preparing your tires for a road trip, there are two items to check: tire pressure and tire condition. Check your owner's manual or the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, and make sure your tires match. If you are expecting to undertake off-road driving, speak with your mechanic about any particular tire pressures you should use during these drives. One of the most common reasons for a breakdown is a tire blowout. Driving over a sharp object or just general tire wear can cause a tire blowout. Michelin recommends that you have a professional inspect your tires every year if your tires are older than five years, however, in between these times, a simple visual inspection can uncover any potential issues. Look for cracks in your tires or chunks of missing tread from sharp objects. Bald spots around your tire are a great reason for concern as they can hinder your ability to stop when necessary. If you notice any tire damage, swap the tire for a spare and have the damaged tire inspected and repaired before your road trip.

Lights

Safety is always the most important factor to consider when driving and should always be at the front of your mind when preparing for a road trip. If you are driving long distances, it's likely that you will do much of your driving at night to arrive as early as possible. If your headlamps are beginning to dim, replace them before you leave. If you notice your indicators have stopped working, fix them before you leave. Small items such as this can have a great impact on the safety of your driving.

The Benefits of a Synthetic Oil Change in Southlake Before a Road Trip

While we may enjoy the summer heat, our car's engine doesn't feel the same way. When temperatures rise, it can affect the quality of the engine lubricant and reduce the efficiency of your engine. Before you drive, speak with Ace Hi Oil at (888) 459-9958 and ask about which AMSOIL synthetic oil is best suited to your vehicle. Performing a synthetic oil change only takes around 10 minutes to complete and can be an excellent way to protect your engine during long journeys.