Essential Checks to Make Before Going on a Road Trip

The summer is finally here, and with it comes the sunshine, long weekends and vacations! Whatever your plans, you certainly won’t want them ruined by a vehicle failure in the middle of the highway. The USA is such a large country that on many roads you can go for miles and miles without seeing even a gas station. Imagine how frustrating it would be to find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere and begin your vacation even more stressed than you were before you left. Fortunately, the experts at Amsoil Dealer – Synthetic Oil Direct have put together this great list of necessary checks to make on your vehicle before heading off on a long journey.

Check Your Tires

If there’s one thing your Dad always told you when you were first learning to drive; it’s to check your tire pressure before heading off on long journeys. You should find a guide to the specified pressures for your vehicle in the information inside the glove compartment, or printed on the driver’s door jam. Keeping your tires at the correct pressure helps keep the weight of your car evenly distributed across all four wheels, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing the risk of uneven wear. It’s also important to check the wear of your tires before setting off on a long trip. If the tread has started to wear down, this can make your car more likely to skid and increases the likelihood of an accident. It’s essential that you also check for any bumps or bulges in the tire as you don’t want any nasty surprises when you hit top speeds on the highway.

Check Your Engine Temperature

A common cause of car breakdown, especially during the summer months, is the engine overheating. If you’ve noticed steam coming out from under the hood of your vehicle, or that the coolant light seems to be on constantly, there may be a problem with its cooling system. To check for an issue, first, make sure that the coolant level is at its maximum. Next, check for any leaks in the cooling system. Leaks tend to occur around the water hose clamps, or from splits in the hoses. Take a look at the radiator as well as this can often be the source of the issue. If you can’t find any obvious issues that you can solve yourself, but you’re not convinced about your engine’s cooling system, it’s time to book in for a service with your local mechanic. Did you know that the type of engine oil you use can affect its ability to withstand heat and the efficiency of the cooling system? A synthetic oil change can provide improved protection at higher temperatures and can increase your engine’s lifetime. Call Amsoil Dealer –Synthetic Oil Direct today at (215) 834-8720 to get the right product for your vehicle.

Check Your Battery

Have you ever parked your car and gone back to it after a while, only to find it won’t start? In this case, your battery is the most likely culprit. The battery provides electricity for accessories such as the radio, air conditioning, and lights, but its primary function is to aid ignition. If your battery dies, you will not be able to start your engine. Check your battery by turning off your engine, then checking and cleaning battery terminals. Use your voltmeter or voltmeter to test the voltage emitted by your car’s battery. If low, your battery needs charging before you set off.

Upgrade Your Engine Oil

Engine oil is an essential component of your engine. It provides lubrication so that surfaces do not rub up against each other, causing heat and friction. It also protects your engine from degrading over time in a process known as ‘corrosion.' Engine oil needs to be changed at regular intervals as it becomes less efficient at performing these functions over time. AMSOIL have specifically developed a range of synthetic oils to withstand higher temperatures and protect your engine better from wear and tear. They also last longer so will need changing less frequently. Give your engine a synthetic oil change before you leave to ensure it is fully protected during warmer weather where the likelihood of engine oil breakdown is more common.

Protect Your Engine with a Synthetic Oil Change in Warrington

Protecting your vehicle with a synthetic oil change doesn't mean that you need to visit your mechanic. Calling your local Amsoil Dealer – Synthetic Oil Direct at (215) 834-8720 and speaking about which synthetic oil is right for your vehicle is all that you need.