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The article urges summer travelers to pack emergency supplies and schedule a pre-trip vehicle inspection with Brian Omps to prevent heat-related breakdowns and ensure a safe, stress-free road trip.
Summer is still moving along, bringing record heat waves after record heat waves. If you're like us, you just want to get away from it all. Maybe you want to drive four hours to Virginia Beach for some sunny fun, or maybe you plan on going north, hoping to find the cold.
Whether your road trip is only a few hours or cross-country, you want to be prepared. Even if your maintenance light isn't on, you should come prepared and have one of our experts ensure your car is ready to go for long distances.
What You Should Bring
Before you head out, you want to go on the trip with a trunk full of emergency supplies. Luckily, you won’t be buried in the store, but flooding or a car going out in record heat can still be deadly.
First, pack plenty of snacks and bottled water. Hydration is key if you get stranded in the heat. Bring jumper cables or a jump starter. The latter can start up a dead battery if no one is around. If you get stranded at night, bring a flashlight. Bring an AC adapter as well to keep any devices charged during the trip, and if you get stranded.
If you’re traveling with pets, bring food, water, and toys for them. Also, get medicine and vet records for them. The same applies to any kids or elderly relatives. Be sure that you have emergency contacts if something goes wrong. If you get stranded close to home, Brian Omps offers 24/7 towing and roadside assistance.
The Importance of a Pre-Trip Inspection
Before you drive out, it’s vital to schedule a pre-trip inspection. Your coolant will keep your engine from overheating when the temperature gets scalding. Open your radiator cap, then top it off if needed. Your motor oil levels should also be checked using your car's dipstick. Power steering, transmission, and brake fluids will keep your vehicle driving smoothly and help you steer or stop safely when someone on the interstate messes up.
Tire pressure is another crucial thing to check using a tire gauge. What your pressure should be at depends on your make and model, so consult your manual or do some research. If a tire keeps getting low, this could be a sign that there is a leak. Also, if your tires are old, consider getting new ones.
Another thing you should check is your battery. If it's been several years since you've checked it, you may need to replace it. The last thing you want is for your car battery to die in the middle of driving.
It can get rainy in Virginia, so ensure your windshield wipers are running smoothly and don't look tattered. You should also check your air filter and replace it if it looks dirty. A clean filter will keep your AC running smoothly. Also, if you haven't had your AC levels checked in a while, Biran Omps offers refrigerant checking and recharging. If your AC stops working, having the windows down won't be enough!
Schedule an Appointment With Brian Omps!
Planning a vacation can be a hassle already, so if you’re too occupied with ensuring every part goes right once you’ve reached your destination, contact us so we can help you reach it! Your car could have subtle issues that you may overlook, or you may not be using the best coolant, oil, and other fluids for your car’s needs. So call us!
We have over 20 years of experience in Winchester and the surrounding areas, and have helped hundreds upon hundreds of cars take their owners to summer fun. Maintenance checks, repairs, towing, we can do it all, and can even get you in if you’re about to head out soon.
Also, we understand that vacations can be expensive. We offer fair, transparent pricing because you deserve to break the bank at Disney World, not on your car.
