Summer Road Trip Guide: Do’s and Don’ts Explained

The temperature is soaring and with the hottest summer months of the year quickly approaching, a road trip to cooler pastures is the best way to blow off steam. To make sure it's you who blows off steam, and not your car (pun intended), it's important to understand the do’s and don’ts associated with a summer road trip.

Inspecting your car and proper planning are two crucial factors that cover all the do’s and don’ts. It is important to inspect your car to ward off unnecessary issues that could spoil the fun of a summer road trip. The inspection is doubly crucial for those who drive pre owned cars. You must also plan your trip in order to maximise the fun.

Inspecting Your Car

An inspection before a summer road trip can easily be carried out by your local mechanic. Alternatively, you can also perform it yourself by following the steps below. If you consult a mechanic, ensure they cover all the components mentioned on this list.

1) AC

Checking the AC of your car is highly important, as an AC that is not working or isn’t performing as expected can quickly deteriorate the road trip experience.

To check if it is working properly, switch on the AC and start driving. If the cabin begins to cool down in a couple of minutes, it’s a sign that the AC unit is working properly. However, the iron test for an AC is bumper to bumper traffic. If it continues to offer the similar levels of cooling in a traffic jam, it’s a sign that your AC system is healthy.

One must also check the secondary features of an AC such as the different fan speeds and vent settings. Test each setting and make sure everything is in working order. If you find that the AC is not cooling the cabin properly, have the system checked for leaks by a professional. Lastly, a musty smell from the air vents might indicate that a new cabin air filter is required or the AC system needs a thorough cleaning as well. 

2) Fluid Check

You should start by checking your engine oil level by pulling out the dipstick protruding from your engine. Wipe it clean, then put it back in, and take it out once more to read the levels. Top up the oil if it's below the required level. You should also replace the oil if it is dark brown or black.

The coolant level should also be checked before a summer road trip. If the coolant level in the reservoir is below the required level, top up the coolant. It is crucial to note that filling in coolant beyond the maximum limit will also create problems for your engine.

Brake and steering fluid should ideally be replaced every two years. If they are below the recommended level, top them up with the manufacturer recommended grade of brake or steering fluid. Power steering fluid is only found in older cars which use a hydraulically assisted power steering. Modern cars with electronic power steering don’t require steering fluid.

3) Wheels and Tyres

The wheels and tyres of a car require careful inspection. Ideally, you should have a mechanic inspect the alignment and balance of your wheels and tyres and make any required adjustments. 

This is also a good time to inspect the wheels for any chips or cracks, and tyres cuts or bulges. Wheels and tyres are highly important as they are the only contact patch with the road. If you find any of the wheels or tyres to be damaged, you should immediately replace them.

It is good practice to check the air pressure and regulate it according to the setting recommended by the manufacturer. This will depend upon the number of passengers you wish to carry. A vehicle manufacturer typically recommends a lower pressure setting for one or two passengers or lower vehicle load and a higher pressure setting for more passengers or heavier load. 

4) Wear And Tear Parts

Brake pads are often the most neglected part of a car, despite them undergoing regular wear and tear. If you feel that your brakes don’t offer the same stopping power as before, it could be due to worn out brake pads. Furthermore, worn out brake pads also speed up the wear and tear of brake rotors. Have a mechanic check your braking system for worn out pads or rotors, leaks, or air in the system before a summer road trip.

Properly functioning wipers are critical for a safe and pleasant summer road trip. While wipers are crucial in the event of rain, they are used to clean the windshield at frequent intervals. Worn out wipers can leave dirty spots or streaks on the windshield, and may lead to permanent damage to the glass. It’s time to change your wipers if they are leaving traces of water on the windshield or are emitting a screeching sound.

5) Electricals

Modern cars consist of many electrical parts. Properly functioning lights and horns are critical for a safe driving experience. Other electrical components such as the power windows, infotainment system, or even the power adjustable seats in some cars are also important.

Check all electrical components to make sure they are in proper working order before a summer road trip. The most common problem with electrical systems is a worn out fuse. You should also carry extra fuses, just in case a fuse blows. This is highly important if you are travelling to remote areas.

Planning For The Trip

To fully enjoy a summer road trip, you also need to plan ahead for your journey. Road trips can be unpredictable and you must be 

prepared to safely navigate through the unknown.

1) Valid Documents

Long summer road trips often lead to crossing state borders, and this is where the police usually monitor traffic. To avoid any hassles, make sure you are carrying the registration certificate of your vehicle, along with a valid insurance and pollution (PUC) certificate. If you are travelling to sensitive areas like Ladakh, make sure you have the proper permits for visiting certain areas.

Additionally, those in charge of driving should also carry a valid Driving Licence. People often forget to renew their DL on time, and only realise it when they are stopped by the police. In today’s times, vehicle and driver documents can be stored digitally and these can be shown to the authorities. However, if you are travelling to remote regions, it is advisable that you carry a hard copy of the documents.

2) Route Planning

There can be multiple routes to reach your destination, and being aware of the right one can go a long way in enhancing your road trip experience. You can use Google Maps to gauge the traffic conditions. In fact, it also allows you to check the traffic conditions for a later time which is quite helpful when planning the route.

You should also scope out places to eat, especially if someone in your group has a dietary restriction. Book your hotels in advance and make sure you confirm your booking a day or two before arriving. Hotels in remote regions may cancel your booking due to excess demand, especially if you haven’t paid beforehand.

3) Navigation Duties

A summer road trip can mean hours behind the wheel and the right music can go a long way in uplifting your experience. If you are travelling as a group, put one person in charge of playing the music and also offering navigation guidance.

If you are driving by yourself, you should have a road trip playlist saved on your phone before starting your journey. As for navigation, pre-planning your food stops and entering all the relevant information beforehand into Google Maps can save you time and hassle on the road.

4) Emergency Kit 

An emergency kit assures that if you are temporarily stranded in a location due to a malfunctioning vehicle or a traffic jam, you have the essentials to tide over the waiting period.

Carrying a first aid kit is vital. Basic medicines, cotton, bandages and electrolytes make up a basic first aid kit. You should also carry a backup inhaler and insulin if any member of the group requires them. Additionally, carry extra water bottles and non-perishable food items to tide over an unforeseen waiting period.

A tyre puncture repair kit and a tyre inflator can be lifesavers when dealing with a flat tyre in a remote area.

5) Check Weather Conditions

Summer road trips mean that you can pack light. However, certain destinations are notorious for high temperatures during the day, before it suddenly plummets at night. It’s common in hill stations, however, even deserts are generally cold at night.

To ward off any surprises, check the weather forecast for the duration of your road trip. This will also inform you of any unusual weather activity such as heavy rain, in which case you can prepare accordingly.

Summary

A summer road trip is about blowing off steam, however, those who are unprepared might end up incurring more stress. The five inspection tips for your car and the five tips to help you plan your road trip will go a long way in ensuring that even when the mercury rises, you stay cool and refreshed. Furthermore, these tips will ensure that you have fun on your road trip, while also serving to enhance your car’s life and your driving experience.