Check your vehicle before vacation time
This advertorial is brought to you by Desjardins Insurance
Summer is synonymous with camping and road trips. Taking a drive, no matter how far, gives us a change of scenery, a chance to relax and some new experiences. Here’s a list of basic but essential maintenance that will help you avoid car trouble so you can enjoy your summer, wherever you’re going!
Is your vehicle in good shape?
Do a summary inspection on your own if you know your stuff. If you’re not sure, you can get your vehicle inspected by a mechanic.
Make sure it’s running well if you don’t want to be that person on the shoulder of the road, with the hood up, the engine smoking and the kids crying!
Engine coolant
Check the following:
- Does your liquid coolant meet the manufacturer’s specifications?
- Is the thermostat working?
Overheating can quickly put your vehicle out of commission for your entire holiday!
Motor oil
You might be covering a lot more kilometers than usual, so your motor oil will degrade faster than usual. Check your vehicle’s owners’ manual for the right type of oil to use.
Tire wear
Check the tread depth and pressure for each tire. (No, kicking them doesn’t count!) The wrong pressure can compromise your tires’ integrity, lengthen your braking distances and increase your fuel consumption.
Brakes
Check the brake linings and pads.
More hours on the road means more stops and more brake use.
12-volt sockets and other outlets
Test all the 12-volt sockets and outlets in your vehicle and pack extra fuses.
You’ll probably want to charge a phone, plug in a cooler or use a GPS if you get lost…
Vehicle maintenance includes whatever you’re towing
- Check the inside of your tent-trailer, trailer, etc. so there are no surprises on the road.
- Make sure everything is in good mechanical condition to arrive safely at your destination.
- Make sure the tire pressure is at recommended manufacturer levels. A poorly inflated tire can quickly overheat and cause a flat.
- Inspect and test all the electronic components before you leave. Your trailer needs to have functioning brake and signal lights. Your old boat trailer that hibernated all winter? Make sure the brakes haven’t seized and the wires weren’t chewed through by rodents.
There’s good information about hauling a trailer on the CAA site.
Before you leave!
Is your emergency kit fully equipped? Is your windshield washer fluid reservoir full? Looks like you’re ready to go!