Certified Lube

OUR BLOG

How to Get Your Car Road Trip Ready

Make the most out of the summer weather and head out on a road trip with your loved ones. Keep reading these pointers by Certified Lube in Houston to treat your car before you hit the road.

One of the most reliable alternatives to prolong your car's life is through seasonal maintenance and giving it a synthetic oil change once in a while. Visit Certified Lube in Houston online store, or call (281) 705-9296 to request oil advice from an AMSOIL dealer in your area.

Don't Give In to False Expectations

Going on a road trip is a great way to travel and unwind. It could also be a great excuse to plan a romantic getaway, but don't get carried away too soon! Roadtrips are no easy feat, and you may want to prepare to organize the whole thing if you're going to make the most of it. To help you with a few vehicle preparation tips below is a post that can help you and your passengers safely reach your vacation destination.

See If the Tires Have Worn Down

If you were to give some thought to the stress you put your tires through, such as driving over pavement, dirt paths, rough roads, rocks, and maybe even over curbs, it isn't at all pleasant, but something must endure it. Certainly, tires are meant to work under extreme conditions and can deal with much of this. However, no matter how dense and tough, rubber isn't impenetrable, and your tires require maintenance now and then.

Examine Your Tires Thoroughly

Take your car into the sunlight and give your tires a visual examination. If you can notice any of the following traits, get them repaired or replaced before hitting the road:

The tread on your tires isn't adequate.
There are spaces on your tire with no tread at all
There's debris within the track of your tire
You can see debris stuck into your tire

All of the above can be a sign of trouble, whether losing traction on the road at high speed or causing a tire blowout while cruising along the highway.

The experts at Certified Lube in Houston can help you feed your engine with the most reliable synthetic oil formula. Give them a call at (281) 705-9296, or visit AMSOIL's online store shop to place an order.

Don't Overlook Your Tire's Pressure

While checking the tire's condition, take the time to check its pressure. This is important for two reasons:

It Gives Your More Control over the Vehicle

Under-inflated tires won't make your car easier to maneuver, which could be a defining factor in preventing unforeseen problems on the road. Also, if your tires are underinflated, it could trigger an increase in friction that works against you and causes your engine to operate more challenging to keep things moving.

Your Engine Needs Additives to Operate Smoothly

Just as monitoring your fluid intake a little more closely during the summer heat, it's important to remember that your vehicle requires more fluids and additives during this season. A couple of days before you leave, give the following tanks a check:

Wiper Fluid
Brake Fluid
Engine Oil
Transmission Fluid
Coolant

If any of the above are at low levels or have seen better days, either top them up or substitute them for more reliable formulas. Doing something as manageable as giving your car a synthetic oil change, for example, can considerably improve engine operations and performance, making your road trip more pleasant.

Lastly,

Preferably at night or in a dark space, have a friend or family member take a tour of your vehicle while you turn on all of the electrics, such as headlamps, high-beam, indicators, brakes, etc. If any bulbs are a little dim, either replace them or pack a spare in the trunk. Likewise, if your fuel gauge has been showing the same level for a while and you have been counting your miles or the temperature gauge hasn't moved in a bit, it could be a sign of a severe problem, so it's best to get it all checked out before you leave.