| By Chilton Staff |
With summer just around the corner, the pool, the shore, and barbecues beckon. Whether it’s a trip to the beach, the woods, or cross-country, it makes sense to ensure your vehicle is ready.
Taking care of needed maintenance items is a great way to prepare. ChiltonLibrary and the vehicle owner manual have factory information to help you keep up with regular maintenance. Check the maintenance schedule in the owner manual or ChiltonLibrary for a list of tasks for each mileage interval or period of time.
Need to know what type of antifreeze to buy and how much is needed to refill the cooling system after draining it? Check the automaker specifications for types of fluid and amounts. As an example, in the ChiltonLibrary screenshot below for the 2024 Chrysler Voyager, the manufacturer specifies Mopar OAT coolant for best performance.
If there are any repairs needed, allow time to complete the repairs and then test them for a couple of weeks, if possible, before a road trip. Attend to any warning or service lights. Make sure the vehicle is ready, including checking:
- Fluids
- Filters
- Tires (and don’t forget the spare, if there is one)
- Brakes
- 12-volt battery
- Lights
- Air conditioning
- Clean windshield (inside and out)
- Belts and hoses
- Wiper blades
- A full gas tank/EV charge
Also, take a moment to do a visual check around the vehicle before loading up and heading out.
Take care of your car before going on a trip this season—because summer memories can last a lifetime.
If you’re not a subscriber to ChiltonLibrary, connect with your Gale consultant. Take ChiltonLibrary for a test drive by requesting a free trial here.
