Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Adventure
Although the summer season begins June 21st, Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start to road trip season. Before you load up Aunt Edna and hit the highway, you should make sure your vehicle is up to the task. At Hollingsworth Auto Service, we always recommend taking a few simple steps that will help make sure you have a safe, cool, hopefully economical, and comfortable summer road trip. A stop at Walley World to see if it’s open is up to you.
Start With Your Tires
Your tires play a major role in both safety and fuel economy. Underinflated tires can reduce gas mileage, create uneven wear, and make your vehicle handle poorly during long drives. The EPA notes that proper tire inflation improves fuel efficiency and helps reduce unnecessary tire wear. And in these times, every dollar counts. Before your trip:
- Check tire pressure when tires are cold
- Inspect tread wear and sidewalls
- Make sure your spare tire is ready
- Have alignment checked if the vehicle pulls while driving
A properly inflated tire not only helps improve mileage, it can also make your drive smoother and safer during summer storms and heavy interstate travel.
Keep Up With Maintenance
Routine maintenance matters even more during hot Georgia summers. Fresh oil, clean filters, healthy brakes, and properly functioning cooling systems all help your vehicle perform efficiently on long trips. Regular tune-ups and maintenance can improve fuel economy and help prevent roadside breakdowns. If your check engine light has been on, your air conditioning isn’t cooling properly, or your vehicle hasn’t been serviced in a while, now is the time to schedule an inspection.
Drive Smarter to Save Fuel
A few small driving habits can make a difference at the pump:
- Avoid excessive idling
- Keep speeds steady on the highway
- Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle
- Use cruise control when appropriate
AAA and automotive experts continue to recommend minimizing aggressive acceleration and maintaining proper tire pressure to improve fuel economy during summer travel.
Ready for the Road Ahead
Road trips should be about the destination, not unexpected repairs along the way. A quick pre-trip inspection can help give you peace of mind before you travel. From tire checks and alignments to routine maintenance and collision repair, a little care can help keep you moving safely all summer long.
