With the sun shining overhead and children away from school, it’s the perfect time for a road trip. This article can help make it a stress-free event.

There is no denying that summer is the most popular time of the year. Not only are children on break from school and parents also have time off to enjoy with their family, but the weather is perfect for all kinds of fun activities, like heading to the beach or even doing a road trip. However, if you don’t prepare, a great fun day out can quickly turn into you waiting on the side of the road for help to arrive. Synthetic Solutions knows just how enjoyable a road trip or summer drive can be, and has prepared a post with some easy-to-adopt tips to prevent your next drive turning into a stress-filled disaster.

Start with a Plan

The best place to start is with a plan, not just for where you are going, but for a range of other items which can all contribute to a successful road trip. For example:

• Where are you going?
• Which route will you take and, if there are any problems, what are your backup routes which can see you arrive safely, only a little later?
• A driving schedule which outlines who will be driving which shift makes it easier for drivers to ensure they are ready for their shift and reduced the instances of drowsy driving.
• Who is in charge of bringing which snacks and drinks?

As a group, sit down and make a plan incorporating the above items, which will form a great start to your road trip and help to prevent some of the more common problems from occurring while you are on the road.

Fluid Levels

The fluids which your engine utilizes can be considered the lifeblood of your car, with the fuel being the food. This means that, in order to operate efficiently and safely, your vehicle relies on each of its fluids being in good condition and at the correct level. If any of them stop performing their task then you can bet you will find yourself stuck on the side of the road when you should be at the beach. A couple of days before you leave, make some time to check all of the fluids your vehicle uses, such as:

• Engine Oil
• Brake Fluid
• Power Steering Fluid
• Coolant
• Transmission Fluid

Of course, if your vehicle utilizes other, be sure to include these on your list. If you can see that some of the levels are low or the fluid looks a little worse-for-wear, instead of simply topping up, take the time to flush out the old fluid and replace it with fresh product. Click here to buy Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil and keep your vehicle in good shape during summer with a synthetic oil change. To place an order or for more information, speak with an expert at Synthetic Solutions by calling (888) 450-2658 or check out the online store for the entire range of products available.

Tire Condition

Once you have your plan, it’s time to make sure that the vehicle you will be driving is up to the challenge. After all, driving around town completing your errands is very different from a long road-trip. For this reason, take your vehicle into the sun and check the condition of the tires, looking for:

• Any bald spots, where there is no tread on the tire.
• Cracks or creases which could cause a leak or, even worse, a blowout.
• Debris lodged in the tread of your tires.
• Items which have pierced the tire and have become stuck, such as a nail or piece of glass.

If you can see any of the above issues, be sure to fix them straight away, which could include a new tire.

Tire Pressure

Once you are sure that your tires are in good condition and up to the task, take some time to check their tire pressure. Not only is it safest for all tires to be at the same correct level, but adjusting your tire pressure can also greatly improve your handling and maneuvering capabilities, which can help you to avoid accidents or get you and your passengers out of a sticky situation.

Electronics

Last, but certainly not least, is a tip to check your electrics. This could include your headlamps, indicators, brake lights, dashboard lights, and any other electric items your vehicle utilizes. In addition to good vehicle maintenance, this tip relates to vehicle and driver safety. As an example, if you are traveling on a freeway and stop suddenly without working brake lights, then you can expect to cause avoidable problems. Before you head off, take a tour of your vehicle and ensure all of the electrics and lights are working correctly.

A Synthetic Oil Change in Zebulon Can Help

If you are worried about your vehicle’s health of the summer period and want to improve its performance, speak with an expert at Synthetic Solutions by calling (888) 450-2658 and learn about the benefits of a synthetic oil change. A synthetic oil change provides your engine with high-quality engine lubricant helping it to not only perform its task but perform it at its best.