Tips to get your car ready for the road this summer

After the seemingly never-ending winter, it’s about time we all experience the warmer side of what Canada has to offer. All of us want to have an action-packed summer at the beach, on a road trip, or maybe even just on a simple hike. However, none of this would be possible if you run into an unexpected car problem, that throws a wrench into your fun filled summer plans. To help prevent any unforeseen issues, we have compiled a list of tips and tricks you can keep in mind to get your car ready for a summer adventure!

When it’s time to get your all season or summer tires on, be sure to look out for inconsistencies in your tire tread - as this could indicate a larger problem with your vehicle. To make sure that your tread is still in tip top shape, you can use the toonie trick to make sure they are ready to go. The toonie trick works by inserting a toonie into the tire tread and checking where the tread and toonie meet. If the tread reaches right around the polar bear’s feet, your tires are in good shape! However, if the tread is running lower than that, it might be time to buy a new set of tires.

Air conditioning

Every Canadian knows the weather here can change in an instant. Sometimes the switch between spring and summer happens before you even have a chance to start your spring cleaning. To prepare for this, it’s important to make sure your AC systems are running smoothly. A simple way to prevent a surprise on a hot summer day is to test out your AC before it gets hot. That way you can see if you will need to bring your car into the shop before the first heat wave hits.

Fluids to check

If you are like most car owners, you might be a little out of your wheelhouse when it comes to determining which car fluids you should be monitoring. A good place to start is your engine oil. Ensuring that this is filled to the proper level will keep your engine lubricated and running smoothly. You should also be keeping an eye on your power steering fluid. Flushing this out should remove any dirt in the fluid. Finally, you should be checking your windshield wiper fluid - especially before longer trips - so you can have a clear view while on the move.

Summer cleaning

Through the winter and spring, our cars can become filled with much unwanted grit and grime. This could be salt stains inside the cabin, water damage from melting snow and much more. The best way to combat this is to give your car a good scrub down once the weather gets warmer. You could also use summer and winter matts to keep everything fresh and looking good as new.

A pre-road trip check up could never hurt and more times than not, helps to prevent a potential catastrophe. Before you head out this summer, make sure your car is ready for the road. Visit a CAA-Approved Auto Repair Facility for expert opinions, quality services and fair prices.

Should you find yourself in need of roadside assistance during your travels, a CAA Plus Membership includes towing up to 250 km, free fuel delivery and services for a second vehicle. Learn more at caaniagara.ca/join.