It is summer time and that brings road trips for many. A new Mazda-sponsored survey finds that 93% of Americans enjoy taking road trips with scenic views (82%), adventure (71%), and flexibility (71%) being the top motivators for traveling by car.
Spaciousness and comfort are two top concerns for road trippers. Two-row SUV or crossover (31%) are the most popular mode of road travel, followed by 3-row SUVs or crossovers (20%) and sedans (20%)
When it comes to essential safety and driver assistance features, Mazda survey respondents selected backup cameras (67%), blind spot monitoring (56%), and collision warning (47%) as their top three must-haves for road trips. In-car GPS is also a must-have for 73% of respondents, with smartphone connectivity trailing closely behind at 58%.
Before you leave on a road trip, don't assume your vehicle is road ready. Check out tihs summer road trip checklist below for some safety and trip planning tips.
Before you head out, check for vehicle recalls. You don't want to be on the road in a vehicle with an open one. You can check by looking up your VIN number on the NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. It will tell you if a vehicle has been repaired as part of a recall in the past 15 years. Head to NHTSA.gov/Recalls.
Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape when heading out, especially when heat can cause issues with your vehicle and its tires. You'll want to make sure your oil is changed, fluids are full, and the battery is in good shape. Tire rotations are another good idea. If you don't know the service history of a vehicle you're taking out on the road, you'll want to schedule a preventive maintenance checkup with your mechanic right away. Here are some things to check:
Battery
Have your mechanic check your battery, charging system, and belts, and have him or her make any necessary repairs or replacements. For hybrid-electric vehicles, keep gasoline in the tank to support the gasoline engine.
Lights
Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights. Be sure to also check your trailer brake lights and turn signals, if necessary.
Cooling System
Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle, and that the coolant meets the manufacturer’s specifications. See your vehicle owner’s manual for specific recommendations on coolant. You or a mechanic should check the cooling system for leaks, test the coolant, and drain or replace old coolant as needed.
Fluid Level
Check your vehicle’s oil level periodically. As with coolant, if it’s time or even nearly time to have the oil changed, now would be a good time to do it. In addition, check the following fluid levels: brake, automatic transmission or clutch, power steering, and windshield washer. Make sure each reservoir is full; if you see any signs of fluid leakage, take your vehicle in to be serviced.
Belts and Hoses
Look under the hood and inspect all belts and hoses to make sure there are no signs of bulges, blisters, cracks, or cuts in the rubber. High summer temperatures accelerate the rate at which rubber belts and hoses degrade, so it’s best to replace them now if they show signs of obvious wear. While you’re at it, check all hose connections to make sure they’re secure.
Wiper Blades
After the heavy toll imposed by winter storms and spring rains, windshield wiper blades may need to be replaced. Like rubber belts and hoses, wiper blades are vulnerable to the summer heat. Examine your blades for signs of wear and tear on both sides. The blades can also deform and fail to work properly in both directions. If they aren’t in top condition, invest in new ones before you go.
Air Conditioning
Check A/C performance before traveling. Lack of air conditioning on a hot summer day affects people who are in poor health or who are sensitive to heat, such as children and older adults..
Tire Pressure
Make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is listed in your owner’s manual and on a placard located on the driver’s side door frame. The correct pressure is NOT the number listed on the tire. Be sure to check tires when they are cold, which means the car hasn’t been driven for at least three hours.
Other Tips
Also follow these additional tips:
Tire Age
Check the age of each tire. You'll find our guide on how to do that here. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced every six years regardless of use, but refer to our extensive advice on tires.
Make sure your floor mats are properly installed. If they're not they could interfere with the operation of the gas accelerator or brake pedal an increase the risk of a crash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mat installation, use retention clips to secure the mat and prevent it from sliding forward, and always use mats that are the correct size and fit for your vehicle.
Remember you car comes with an owners manual - either a hard copy or now many have are provided digitally through your vehicle's multimedia system. Take time to look at it and familiarize yourself with your vehicle's features. If you're renting a car, become familiar with it before driving off the lot.
Plan your route and check the road conditions, weather forecast and traffic before you leave. Always familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, even if you use a GPS system, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.
The NHTSA also recommends keeping a well-stocked vehicle just in case of an emergency. Its recommended emergency roadside kit contents include:
You can find more NHTSA safety tips here.
Photo Credit Mazda.