How to Prepare Your Car for Spring Break & Summer Road Trips

spring break car tips

Spring break is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning all those fun adventures you’ll take as the weather warms up. Before you hit the road, though, you need to think about car care. If you were going to run a marathon, you’d hit the gym to prepare first, right? Why should your car be any different? If you want to take some long drives in your car this summer, it’s wise to give your engine a “physical” before you take off.

Here’s what you need to know.

5 Smart Safety Tips for Your Spring Break Road Trip

Prevent things like overheating and breakdowns with these simple car care tips:

1. Take Your Car for an Oil Change

Oil changes are some of the simplest yet most effective forms of maintenance out there. Keep your car running strong with a complete oil and fluid change and check from your local auto mechanic. Be sure to do this a few weeks before you plan to leave on your trip, so your mechanic can fix any small issues they may find.

2. Update Your Insurance Coverage

If it’s been a while since you evaluated your insurance coverage, now is a great time. Make sure you understand what your policy covers, and update it if you need more protection during your trip. It’s also smart to take a look at your insurance’s available auto repair & roadside assistance coverage and make sure it suits your needs. 

3. Service Your AC System

When the weather outside gets warm, your car’s AC and cooling systems will keep you cool and comfortable. Have your systems serviced now to ensure they work the way you need them to when the time comes. As a general rule, pros recommend a cooling system service every 30,000 miles or five years – whichever comes first. 

4. Inspect all Lights and Bulbs

Keep yourself safe and visible on the road by giving your car’s lights and bulbs a once-over. Look for burned-out bulbs, and consider having your headlights cleaned if they look dull or dingy. 

5. Replace Worn Wiper Blades

Take a look at your car’s wiper blades and replace worn or aged blades. Look for all-season blades that fit the shape of your windshield well. Bonus points for keeping plenty of washer fluid on hand so that you can refill on the go.

Need Car Care in Pensacola? DeBroux is Here for You

Before you hit the road and head out of town, stop by DeBroux Automotive. Our experienced techs are here to provide a variety of auto repair services to keep you safe and happy on the road. Let us help you avoid expensive repairs and inconvenient breakdowns away from home. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to get your car spring-break ready now!