Your Summer Road Trip Checklist

When you decide to hit the road, there’s a lot of planning that comes with it. Before you start mapping out routes, making hotel reservations, or researching popular roadside attractions, you need to make sure your vehicle is up for the long journey ahead. You don’t want to overlook one of the main components of your road trip and end up stranded somewhere unfamiliar. To make your road trip successful, use our car care checklists and schedule any needed service at Pursch Motors Inc. in Pleasanton, TX.

Service Checklist

To ensure that your car is ready to take on miles of interstate or the back roads of Floresville, you’ll want to bring it to our service center. Here are some components to look out for:

• Brakes – If your brakes make abnormal sounds or vibrate when in use, you’ll want to get them repaired or replaced before heading out on a long journey.
• Tires – A technician can check for any cuts or gouges that could cause a flat tire in the future. It’s also important to ensure your tire pressure is at the appropriate level.
• Air conditioner – Whether your trip is a short drive through Jourdanton, or you’re planning on crossing multiple state lines, you don’t want to do it in the summer without proper air conditioning.
• Belts and hoses – Although often overlooked, these components are essential to keeping your car running. You’ll want to make sure a technician inspects, repairs, and replaces them when necessary.
• Battery – Avoid flagging down another driver to help jumpstart your car and ensure that your battery has enough juice for a long trip.
• Fluid fill-up – You may want to get an oil change before hitting the road to make sure your car runs safely. You’ll also want to fill up on all your other important car fluids like windshield washer fluid, coolant, and brake fluid.

Purchase Checklist

When you’re traveling long distances, it’s always a good idea to have a few emergency items on hand. Here are a few things we recommend purchasing before heading out on the road:

• Spare tire – Just in case you get a flat tire, you’ll want to make sure you have a spare to get you to a service center.
• Emergency supplies – In case you find yourself stuck on the side of the road, you might want to pack flares, a flashlight, jumper cables, extra batteries, some drinking water, and clothes to keep you warm during the night.
• Empty gas can – If you made a mistake in thinking you could make it to the next exit or town before a fill-up, you might need to walk to a gas station to bring some back to your empty tank.
• Sunshade – Whether you’re taking a quick break or spending the day exploring on foot, you’ll want to keep some of the sun’s heat out, so it’s more comfortable when you start driving again.

Tips for a Successful and Safe Road Trip

Whether you’re taking a short trip to San Antonio or trekking across the country, there is no doubt you’ll have fun on your journey. Here are some tips to making your exciting trip safer and more successful.

• Make sure you have your driver’s license, car registration, and proof of insurance.
• Keep your car’s owner’s manual in your glovebox or download it to your smartphone.
• Bring clothes for all weather conditions.
• Download your route so you can still access your map when you lose service.
• If you’re crossing state lines, make sure to call your bank, so they don’t lock your credit card.
• Pack everything you would need to stay the night in your car comfortably, just in case.

Visit Our Pleasanton, TX Service Center Today

Before starting your journey, add scheduling a service appointment to the top of your to-do list. Our experienced technicians can make sure your car is ready to take on the road.