A summer escape from the Valley usually starts with one goal: get somewhere cooler. But before the snacks are packed and the playlist is locked in, the car needs its own pre-trip plan.
“Arizona summers are tough on vehicles, and the road trip season usually brings those problems to the surface,” says Whitney Yates-Woods, dealer principal of Yates Mitsubishi in Goodyear. “A car may seem fine during daily driving, but once you add extreme heat, long distances, passengers, luggage, and stop-and-go traffic, small maintenance issues can become expensive problems fast.”
Before heading out, Yates-Woods recommends giving the vehicle a close look and focusing on a few essentials:
- Check the battery. Arizona heat can shorten battery life, so have it tested before a long drive, especially if it is more than two years old or the car has slow starts, dim lights or electrical issues.
- Inspect the tires. Check pressure in every tire, including the spare, and look for worn tread, cracks, bulges, uneven wear or embedded objects. Proper inflation also supports fuel efficiency, handling and braking.
- Review the cooling system. Check coolant levels and have the hoses, belts, radiator and water pump inspected. Temperature spikes, leaks, steam, strange smells and dashboard alerts should never be ignored.
- Test the air conditioning. Warm air, slow cooling, strange noises or unusual smells can signal the need for refrigerant, a filter replacement or a more detailed inspection.
- Check fluids and leaks. Review engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. A quick look underneath the vehicle can also catch drips or puddles before they become bigger problems.
- Book service early. Scheduling an inspection a week or two before a major trip gives drivers time to make repairs without adding a last-minute scramble to the vacation itinerary.
“If you know you have a road trip coming up, do not wait until the night before to wonder whether your car is ready,” Yates-Woods says. “Give your service team time, and give your vehicle the attention it needs before it is carrying your family across hundreds of miles.”
A pre-trip check can also reveal whether a vehicle still fits the family’s needs. Cramped cargo space, weak air conditioning or poor fuel economy may be signs it is time to start shopping.
Arizona drivers should look beyond the monthly payment and compare financing, warranties, maintenance costs, safety features, cargo space and total ownership expenses.
“Whether you are servicing the car you have or shopping for the next one, planning ahead gives you more control,” Yates-Woods says. “With the right preparation, you can enjoy the trip instead of worrying about what could go wrong.”
