SUMMER TRAVEL

Good Visibility is Vital

If your wipers are leaving streaks of water on the windshield, or if the wiper-blade rubber shows any signs of cracking or stiffness, replace them with a new set.

Between bugs and dirt being kicked up off the road, it's likely that you'll be using your windshield washers a lot. Be sure to keep your windshield washer reservoir filled. (The standard blue stuff will suffice; just don't use water, as if you leave it until winter it can freeze in the washer lines.)

Remember that you'll likely be driving at night for portions of the trip. So make sure the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazards, and interior lights are all working properly

Keep the Battery in Good Shape

Whether you’re stuck in a blistering hot parking lot or snow-covered roadside, a dead battery is a nightmare no matter what season you’re in. Summer months can be tough on a charging system – all that strain from air conditioning and cooling fans to your sound system competing against exterior noise. Following are a few easy checks to make sure it's in as good condition as possible.

On conventional batteries, remove the plastic caps on top of the battery and check the fluid level (see your owner's manual). If the fluid is low, add distilled water. On maintenance-free batteries, check that the window at the top of the battery indicates a fully charged state (check in your owner's manual). If it isn't, have the battery professionally tested at a service station, auto parts store, or repair shop. It may just need to be charged. But if it's defective, it's best to replace it before it goes completely dead. (See our battery Ratings and buying advice.)

Air Conditioning

Nothing is worse than driving through a hot summer day without air conditioning. Now’s the time to make sure it’s functioning properly and blowing cool air into the cabin. Take a test drive with the air conditioner running, paying special attention to any dips in cooling capacity.

If anything seems off, you may need your refrigerant topped up or a recharge. Take it to a mechanic and have it fixed before your trip.

Protection for Inside and Out

Your car’s paint job is not a big fan of summer heat. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays can cause fading, drying, and even cracks in the exterior paint. If you don’t have access to a garage, try to park in a shady spot, but remember trees bring their own threats – bird droppings, sap, etc. Keeping your car clean will help prevent the sun baking contaminants into the surface of the paint. It’s also wise to consider a UV protectant wax coating for the car’s best protection against the sun.

If you don't already have floormats in your car, you should pick up a pair. Even inexpensive ones will protect your car's carpet from the water, sand and mud that tends to get tracked into the vehicle. For maximum protection, a set of rubber all-weather floor mats will keep dirt from getting ground into the carpet and into the car's floorboards. If you do buy aftermarket floor mats, be sure they won't interfere with operation of the pedals.