5 Ways to Prepare Your Toyota for a Road Trip

A summer road trip is a perfect way to enjoy the warm weather and vacation at your own pace. Before you set off on a long road trip, make sure your Toyota is ready. By taking the time to prepare your vehicle, you can prevent breakdowns, and keep your road trip smooth from start to finish.

Schedule Any Necessary Service

If your vehicle is due for an engine tune-up or an oil change, be sure to schedule it before you leave on a long road trip. By keeping up with your vehicle’s regular maintenance, it will be at its most reliable during your road trip. If possible, schedule any major servicing at least a month before you leave. This gives your mechanic time to address any problems that they might discover during servicing.

Top Up Your Fluids

Check the level of your engine fluids before taking a road trip. Running out of fluids is inconvenient at best or disastrous at worst. You may not always be in a place where you can purchase new fluid if you start to run low. If you suspect you’re going to need more windshield wiper fluid, purchase a container before you go, so you can top off no matter where you are.

Check Your Tires

It is important to check your tires to make sure they’re inflated to the proper pressure. Driving with low tire pressure consumes more gas and can lead to a blowout. Also, be sure to check for bulges or tears in the sidewalls, which make the tire unsafe to drive on. Take a look at the tread on your tires, and note of any uneven wear, bald patches, or low tread. If you’re concerned about tire safety, replace your tires before your road trip.

Have an Emergency Kit Ready

While you’re preparing for a road trip, check to make sure your Toyota has an emergency kit. Your kit should include first aid supplies, a flashlight, a blanket, a tire gauge, jumper cables, and basic tools. During a summer road trip, make sure you take a supply of drinking water with you in case an emergency leaves you sweating on the side of the road. You should also have a few high-energy snacks, such as mixed nuts or granola bars with you.

Update Your GPS Navigator

A GPS navigator makes it easy to plan your trip and helps you locate gas stations, restaurants, and other important destinations. Before you hit the road, update your GPS so you have the latest maps available. Keep a paper road map in the vehicle as well in case you can’t use your GPS navigation system. A paper road map won’t break down, and you don’t need to plug it in to use it.

Enjoy the freedom of the open road with a summer road trip. Preparing your Toyota for your road trip properly allow you to relax knowing you’ve taken care of and are preventing potential problems.

Image by Brian Tucker from Pixabay 

Posted in Around Town | No Comments »