At this time of the year, Subaru owners throughout Philadelphia are finalizing plans for what may be the first of several summer road trips. Your choice in a Subaru shows that you're always planning ahead for adventure, so we thought it would be a good idea to compile some of the ways that you can prep your Subaru for that summer road trip.
As we've previously discussed on this blog, the change of
season in general (and summer in particular) is an important time for scheduled
maintenance on your Subaru. Just before a summer road trip is the perfect time
to make sure that everything is in top shape. Your Subaru dealer service center
can check out the drive train, steering, and suspension as well as check and
change belts, engine oil, brake and transmission fluid levels as a start.
Get those brakes checked even if they seem to be working
well. A road trip can quickly reveal problems like worn pads or rotors. Air
conditioning will be vital for the trip so make sure that it is running
properly by having it checked at your Subaru dealer repair service to make sure
your refrigerant levels aren't too low and that there are no leaks. You should
also have them take a look at the battery to make sure that it is in good order.
One of the things that you can do on your own is to be sure
to inspect your tires carefully starting with air pressure level. Road
temperatures get extra hot during late spring/early summer, so the pressure
will rise in your tires. While things like dry rot or large bumps around the
joints may happen if you're not replacing tires and getting regular alignments,
tire tread issues can creep up on anyone.
You should be periodically performing the penny test to see
if you're in trouble yet. Simply turn the penny upside down and insert it
between your treads. If all of Lincoln's head is exposed, it's time for some
new tires.
Whether or not you're heading to or through states with
tropical climates that see severe thunderstorms in the summer, it's a good idea
to replace worn windshield wipers now. Although they should be replaced every
six months, inspect their performance for streaks or dirt, which can be signs
that they need to be replaced.
Inspect all turn signals and lights, which is something that
you should do periodically anyway. Don't forget the license plate bulb as this
can go out pretty frequently and be the source of being pulled over by the
authorities.
It's a good idea to add machine-washable seat covers to help
keep your vehicle's interior a bit tidier during and after the trip as well as
some heavy duty mats. You might consider some Subaru add-ons like roof or bike
rack as well as storage nets to keep things organized.
Last but certainly not least, have an Emergency Roadside Kit
in case you do get stuck. Keep a spare cell phone charger, a flashlight with
extra batteries, a first-aid kit, water, snacks, battery jumper cables,
emergency flares, and reflectors. You should carry at least some water and coolant
for the radiator just in case as well as washer fluid in the cargo area or
trunk.
Summer road trips are a sign of the season and the level of freedom
that your Subaru can provide to you. The whole idea is to have fun, so make
sure that it's a worry-free adventure by preparing for all of those foreseeable
challenges.
