Tips For Your Summer Road Trip

Brandon Honda’s Tips For The Perfect Summer Trip

Summertime has rolled around again which means time for road trips! But, before you get behind the wheel and drive to your destination, the team at Brandon Honda wants to make sure you are properly prepared to hit the road. Our team has written out the best tips and tricks to prepare yourself and your vehicle for a smooth ride. Follow these summer road trip tips, and enjoy a wonderful road trip.

Pack Your Vehicle With Proper Supplies

Before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle is well-stocked with items you may need incase of an emergency. Packing essentials on your road trip such as a first aid kit is highly recommended. The last thing you want, is to be stuck on the side of the road, lacking the resources you need. This kit may include:

• Spare batteries
• Phone charger or spare phone battery
• A set of jumper cables
• A jug of water to keep you hydrated on long car rides
• Non-perishable food items
• A proper first-aid kit 
• Basic tools such as a wrench and screwdriver
• A spare tire 
• Duct tape
• Sunscreen
• Tire sealant incase tire can not remain inflated 
• Gloves
• Spare blankets
• Spare towels and/or rags

Give Your Vehicle A Proper Wash And Wax

Yes, your car would appreciate a wax before the beach too. There is nothing better than driving in the sun knowing your car is nice and clean! We recommend a good exterior wash and wax before hitting the road during the summer months. Things like dirt, sand, and humidity can build up in the crevices of your brake lines and engine. These factors cause rust to build within your vehicle, reducing the longevity of your car’s life.

Along with washing your car, waxing it will benefit the overall look and feel of your vehicle. Wax adds a protective layer to the exterior of your car. This layer defends your vehicle’s paint job against sun damage, bug splatter, pollen, bird droppings, dust, and sun damage. Things us Florida folk know all too well! Get a complimentary car wash with services at Brandon Honda before you set off on your road trip.

Ensure Your Vehicle’s Fluids Are At An Optimal Level

To ensure smooth sailing for your trip, you should check the fluids in your vehicle to ensure they’re at a proper level (especially when the weather is warmer). Keeping your fluids relatively new and freshly flushed is a good idea for keeping your vehicle nice and cool. Fluids that should be checked are: 

• Coolant Levels
• Motor Oil
• Brake Fluids
• Transmission Fluids
• Windshield Wiper Fluids

Checking these fluids on your own can be a somewhat complex process. No worries! The highly-knowledgeable technicians at Brandon Honda and check your vehicle’s fluid level easily, and fill them to the perfect levels.  Schedule service in our Tampa location for assistance. 

Test Your Car’s Battery

A properly working battery is vital for a smooth trip. Your vehicle’s battery is responsible for providing your car with the energy to start. As the weather becomes warmer, there is a greater chance the battery can overheat, which can delay your trip for a good period of time.

A simple look and inspection on your car’s battery will help you determine if it is safe to be using or not. If you see any bulging, leaks, and/or cracks this may need it means replaced. As well, if it is 3 years or older we recommend having it tested by one of our Honda-trained technicians, to avoid getting stuck in the road. Schedule battery service today, and ensure your car is summer-ready!

Insure Your Tires Are Properly Inflated

Tires serve as the only actual contact between the road and your vehicle. The more you drive and accelerate on the road, the more your tires become worn. If you are planning a long drive, it is important to inspect your tires for signs of deflation, tread, and wear.

Driving on flattening tires is a quick way to lead them to overheat and eventually blowout. Especially when road temperatures are extremely high. Tires normally lose one pound of pressure each month, due to normal seepage. Therefore, it is vital you make sure to check their pressure, including the spare tires, to ensure sure they’re up to the manufacturer's specifications. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for pressure recommendation and the correct tire information label.

A trained mechanic can properly inspect the tread depth and wear of your vehicle’s tires. Schedule a tire service appointment with one of our Honda technicians today.

Check Your Vehicle’s Brakes

When on a long distance road trip, you can not control how others drive, but you can control your reactions to their driving. This is where your brakes come in. To assure optimum safety for you and your passengers, properly working brakes are vital to your vehicle.

It is preferred to get your brake pads inspected by a mechanic if possible. Our Brandon Honda technicians will service your vehicle’s brakes by checking brake fluids, brake pads for wearing, and rotors to see if they are torn or warped. Schedule brake service with one of our Honda technicians today.

Park In The Shade If Possible

Just like humans, cars feel exhausted when left out in the burning sun. If accessible, while taking breaks from driving try to park your vehicle in a shaded area as frequently you can. This will provide protection for your car when exposed to high temperatures.

If there is no shaded option when parking your vehicle, dashboard sunshades are a great option! These shades protect your dashboard against the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and keeps it nice and cool.

Routinely Check Your Vehicle’s Temperature Gauge

Our Honda car dealership in Florida knows when Florida is hot....it's really hot! This, is why you need to check your vehicle's temperature gauge in the summer months. The temperature gauge is located on the dashboard of your Honda vehicle. When correctly displayed, the gauge will have a needle pointing toward the center. If your car is overheating, the needle will point toward “Hot”. If this happens, pull your vehicle over and allow the car to cool down. 

Enjoy Your Trip!

The only thing left to do once your vehicle is road trip ready, is to enjoy the ride! View comfy road trip ideas that allow you and your passengers to enjoy your trip! Our priority vehicle maintenance at Brandon Honda will ensure that you and your family have a safe and stress-free summer while driving in the Florida sun. The Honda family in our Tampa location, suggest a proactive approach to maintenance this season, to prevent possible breakdowns due to extreme summer heat. A vehicle that reaches severe hot temperatures can not only lead to pricey repairs, but can even threaten the driver, and passenger’s safety. Stay up to date with new vehicle and travel trends when traveling this year. 

Don’t feel like servicing your vehicle alone? Need assistance in the summer maintenance process? Vehicle maintenance is a breeze when you bring your car to our Brandon Honda of Tampa dealership, and have our skilled lineup of technicians assist your vehicle! Safety is and always will be our team’s number one priority. Our Honda dealership ensures the perfect maintenance, for an easy and safe summer season! We will also ensure that your vehicle is updated with any safety recalls and service campaigns.

Schedule your service at Brandon Honda of Tampa, FL today! We service the Holiday, Tampa Bay, and surrounding Central Florida areas!