Top 7 Car Maintenance Tips for Summer Road Trips

Planning a summer road trip? Make sure your vehicle is prepared for long miles, high temperatures, and the unexpected. From fluid checks to emergency kits, staying on top of summer car maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, improves performance, and keeps your trip running smoothly. Here are seven key tips to help you hit the road with confidence.

1. Check and Top Off Fluids

Your engine, transmission, brakes, and cooling system all rely on clean, sufficient fluids to perform safely. Check your oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Summer heat can speed up fluid breakdown and evaporation, so it’s important to make sure everything is topped off and in good condition. If you're not sure what to look for, a technician can help with a full fluid check and replacement if needed.

2. Inspect and Service Your Brakes

Good brakes are essential, especially when dealing with summer traffic, steep inclines, or sudden rainstorms. If you hear squeaking or grinding, or if the pedal feels soft or the steering wheel vibrates when braking, it may be time to service your brakes. Even without obvious signs, a pre-trip brake inspection is a smart safety step.

3. Make Sure the A/C Is Cooling Properly

Nothing drains your energy faster than a hot car in the middle of summer. If your A/C is weak or not blowing cold, have it checked before you leave. Here’s what a technician will typically inspect when diagnosing A/C issues, including refrigerant levels, leaks, cabin filters, and fans.

4. Examine Your Tires for Wear and Pressure

Tires take a beating in the summer. Hot pavement and rising temperatures can increase pressure and accelerate wear. Before your trip, check the tread depth, look for cracks or bulges, and make sure all tires—including the spare—are properly inflated to the recommended PSI. If it’s been over 6,000 miles, a tire rotation can also help promote even wear.

5. Test the Battery

Heat can be harder on your battery than cold weather. It speeds up internal fluid evaporation, which weakens battery performance and shortens lifespan. If your battery is more than three years old or showing signs like dim lights or slow cranking, get it tested before your trip.

6. Replace Wiper Blades and Check Lights

Visibility is critical for safe summer driving, especially during sudden storms or foggy mornings. Replace worn or streaky wiper blades and check that all lights—including brake lights, signals, and headlights—are functioning. A quick walkaround inspection can help avoid avoidable problems on the road.

7. Pack an Emergency Kit

Even with great maintenance, things can still go wrong. Keep an emergency kit in your car stocked with jumper cables, a flashlight, first aid supplies, bottled water, snacks, a phone charger, and basic tools. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in unexpected situations.

Come Down to Sonny’s Auto Repairs

Before your summer trip begins, let us perform a full pre-trip inspection to make sure your vehicle is ready for the road. We’ll check all major systems, fluids, tires, and A/C performance so you can travel with confidence. Call us at 516-822-3671 or use the contact form on our website to schedule your visit.