June is the start of summer and a great time for a road trip! The lure of the road runs deep in most of us, regardless of challenging gas prices or alternative modes of transportation at 20,000 feet in the air. Driving every inch of the way along a rolling black-top through a green landscape with blue mountains on the horizon is a primal and deeply satisfying experience.
Of course before we motor out on the carefree highway, with the summer breeze on our smiling faces, we'll want to do some planning. OK then, get out your favorite list-making tools, whether that's an iPad and your fingertips or a stack of 3 x 5 index cards and a red felt tip pen, and let's make a check list!✔ Go to Steve's Auto Service and have them check the vehicle top to bottom for wear and tear. That's going to be smart for the exciting trip I have in mind!
✔ Also at Steve's, let's get them to look at the battery cables. They'll need to be securely attached, with the terminals free of corrosion if we are going to take the trip I think we are going to take!
✔ Since we're at Steve's Auto Service anyway let's get the windshield washer fluid topped of with an appropriate cleaning solvent. We don't want to get caught unprepared in a summer shower.✔ Steve has told me before that I need to check the drive belts every so often. Let's have him look for cracked or frayed ones and have those replaced.
✔ You know what? Who am I kidding. We can get everything we need at Steve's Auto Service. Let's make sure they check the radiator and heater hoses for visible wear, bulges or soft spots, and look for leaks around the clamps and the water pump.
✔ Whoa! I almost forgot about the tires. At Steve's they are great about checking and adjusting the pressures of the tires to my vehicle manufacturer's settings. And we'll want to make sure the spare tire is in good shape as well. And they can check tread and give us advise about an alignment or tire replacement.✔ Is it hot in here to you? Sheesh, you know what? Steve's Auto Service can keep us cool too! Let's make sure to top off the refrigerant, if that is needed, and make sure our A/C system is good for the road.
✔ OK, that should just about do it. Before we go let's remember to replenish our on-board safety supplies. We'll need a first aid kit in case someone falls on a bush at a scenic overlook. We'll want a flashlight with good batteries for scaring away any bears at night. Jumper cables, check, owner's manual, check, cell phone is charged, check. Alright then, let's pile in the car, and away we go! Suzie! Put your feet back in the car and let's get the A/C going.
