What You Should Get Checked Before Your Summer Road Trip
What You Should Get Checked Before Your Summer Road Trip
There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road on a summer adventure—windows down, music up, and endless possibilities ahead. But before you throw your bags in the trunk and set your GPS, it’s essential to ensure your car is ready to handle the journey. At Van’s Tire Pros in Medina, OH, we’ve seen too many road trips cut short by issues that could have been avoided with a quick check-up. To help you travel safely and stress-free, here’s a complete list of what you should get checked before heading out on your summer road trip.
Check Tires and Pressure
Your tires are your car’s only contact with the road, so they deserve your full attention. Before any long trip, inspect your tires for signs of wear, bulges, or punctures. Ensure the tread depth is safe—at least 2/32 of an inch, but more is always preferable. Also, check tire pressure. Temperature changes can affect air levels, and under-inflated tires can stunt fuel efficiency and increase the risk of a blowout.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your tires, stop by Van’s Tires Medina. Our team will inspect your tires to ensure you’re road-ready.
Inspect Brakes
Your brakes are one of the most vital safety systems in your vehicle. If you notice any squeaking, grinding, or longer stopping distances, it’s time to get them checked. Your brake pads typically need replacement every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, and your rotors every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on how often you drive and the severity of your driving conditions.
At Van’s Auto Repair, we’ll conduct a thorough brake inspection to ensure your pads, rotors, and fluid levels are in optimal condition. Don’t take chances—better safe than sorry.
Test Your Battery
Summer heat can be as brutal on batteries as winter cold. High temperatures can hurt internal components and shorten battery life. If your battery is more than three years old, get it tested before you leave.
Van’s Auto Service offers battery testing to make sure you’re not stuck waiting for a jump in the middle of nowhere.
Top Off Oil and Other Fluids
Oil keeps your engine running like new and prevents overheating—a significant risk during hot summer drives. Check your oil level and color. If it's dark or low, it’s time for a change. Also, check the coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
At Van’s Auto Repair, we offer complete fluid checks and oil changes so you can hit the road with confidence.
Replace Wipers
Summer storms can hit unexpectedly, and you’ll want a clear windshield when they do. If your wiper blades are skipping, smearing, or worse, it’s time to replace them. A new set of wipers is inexpensive and essential for safe visibility.
We know how difficult wiper installation can be, but at Van’s Tires Medina, we can handle it for you!
Check the Air Conditioning
A road trip without air conditioning is not only uncomfortable—it can be dangerous, especially if you're traveling with children or pets. Ensure your air conditioning is blowing cold air and that the system is charged correctly.
Van’s Auto Service can run a full A/C diagnostic and recharge the system if needed, so you stay cool on even the hottest days.
Check Your Engine, Belts, and Hoses
Pop the hood and give everything a visual once-over. Inspect your belts and hoses for cracks, fraying, or leaks. Belts drive critical components, such as your alternator and power steering, while hoses carry essential fluids throughout your engine.
If you’re not sure what to look for, leave it to the professionals at Van’s Auto Repair in Medina. We’ll perform a comprehensive inspection and let you know if anything needs to be replaced.
Create an Emergency Kit
Even with the best preparation, emergencies still happen. It’s best to keep an emergency kit with essentials like:
Jumper cables
First aid kit
Flashlight and extra batteries
Bottled water and snacks
Basic tools
Road flares or reflective triangles
Phone charger and power bank
Tire repair kit or spare tire
It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Prepare With the Pros!
Prepping your car for a summer road trip isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns—it’s about peace of mind. At Van’s Tire Pros in Medina, OH, we make it easy to ensure your vehicle is in top condition with expert service and friendly advice. Whether it’s tire checks, brake
inspections, battery tests, or full-service diagnostics, trust Van’s Auto Service to help you get road-trip ready.
Stop by today or schedule an appointment to ensure your summer adventure gets off to a great start. Because nothing ruins a road trip faster than car trouble, and nothing gives you more confidence than knowing your vehicle has been checked by the pros at Van’s Auto Repair.
