Nothing Like a Summer Road Trip! 🚗
Summer road trip season is here — and whether you're doing a solo getaway, a girls' trip, or hauling the whole crew across state lines, your car needs to be as ready as you are.
Here's the thing. Most breakdowns aren't random. They're the result of something that was already off before you hit the highway. The good news? A little prep goes a long way. Let's make sure you're not that person stranded on the side of the road in the July heat.
Here's your go-to checklist before you go.
🛣️ Take a Test Drive First
Before you pack a single bag, take your car for a short spin around the block. You're listening and feeling for anything that's off.
Brakes — Any squeaking, grinding, or pulling to one side?
Steering — Does the car drift or feel loose?
Transmission — Any hesitation or rough shifting?
Engine — Anything smell weird? Sound weird?
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. That's what your Primary Care Technician (PCT) is for — don't wait until you're 200 miles from home to deal with it.
💡 Check Your Lights
Grab a friend and work through every light on the car. This one takes five minutes and could save you a traffic stop (or worse).
Brake lights — All three should light up when you press the pedal
Turn signals — Front and rear, both sides
Reverse lights — Shift into reverse and check for white lights at the back
Headlights and high beams — Bright and clear?
License plate lights — Yep, these count too
Burned-out bulb? Easy fix. Don't skip it.
🌧️ Wiper Check — Yes, Even in Summer
Summer storms don't care about your itinerary. Run your wipers with washer fluid and check for streaking or smearing. If you can't see clearly, replace the blades. They're cheap and take five minutes.
Also — top off your washer fluid. Bug splatter is real, and running out on the highway is a special kind of annoying.
🔧 Pop the Hood
I know. This is the one most people skip. But this is also where the big surprises hide. Two minutes under the hood could save you a $1,200 repair down the road. (Ask me how I know.)
Here's what to look at:
Engine Air Filter — If it looks grey and clogged, replace it. Aim for every 15,000 miles. A dirty filter is robbing your engine.
Fluids — Check levels and color:
Engine oil — if it's dark brown or black, you're overdue. If it looks milky, that's a bigger problem. Call your PCT.
Coolant — Low coolant is one of the top reasons cars overheat on long trips
Brake fluid
Power steering fluid
Windshield washer fluid
Belts — Look for cracks or fraying. A snapped belt on the highway is not the vibe.
Battery — Check for white or blue corrosion on the terminals. If your battery is three to five years old, have it tested before you go. Batteries don't give much warning before they quit.
Not sure what you're looking at? That's exactly what your PCT or Primary Care Technician is for. You don't have to know everything — you just have to know enough to ask the right questions. That's being a Shecanic.
🛞 Tires
Your tires are the only thing between you and the road. Let's treat them like it.
Tread depth — Use the penny test. Stick a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head pointing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tires are worn out. Time for new ones.
Tire pressure — Check all four tires with a gauge. The right PSI is on a sticker inside your driver's door jamb — not on the tire itself. Under-inflated tires handle badly and can overheat on long drives.
Spare tire — When's the last time you actually checked it? Make sure it's inflated and in good condition. A flat spare is worse than no spare because you thought you had one.
Tire age — If your tires are more than six years old, have them inspected even if the tread looks fine. Rubber ages.
🔧 Don't Ignore the Dashboard
Warning lights are your car talking to you. Don't ignore them before a long trip.
Check Engine — Could be minor (loose gas cap) or major. Find out before you go.
Oil life — If you're overdue, change it now. Fresh oil = happy engine.
Tire Pressure (TPMS) — Use it as a starting point, then verify with a gauge.
And here's a mileage reality check:
Under 50,000 miles? Regular maintenance should have you covered.
50,000–100,000 miles? Consider a more thorough inspection before a big trip.
Over 100,000 miles? Schedule a full check. No shortcuts.
🦺 Emergency Kit
Hope you never need it. Pack it anyway. Every car should have:
Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
Flashlight (charged or with fresh batteries)
First-aid kit
Basic tools — screwdrivers, pliers, zip ties, duct tape
Reflective triangles or road flares
A blanket and some water
And don't forget your paperwork: registration, insurance card, and roadside assistance info — all in the glove box and up to date.
📱A Few Things Worth Doing Before You Leave
Download your maps offline — cell service disappears in the best places
Share your route with someone who's not on the trip
Charge your portable power bank — running navigation all day drains your phone fast
Know your roadside assistance number before you need it
👩🔧 Want a Pro to Look It Over?
There's no shame in wanting trained eyes on your car before a long haul — that's smart ownership. We offer Road Ready inspections at Girls Auto Clinic, and we'll make sure you leave knowing exactly where your car stands.
📲 Call or text us to book: 484-461-4693
And if you want to learn to do this yourself? Join one of our Car Care Workshops. Because knowing your car is the most powerful thing you can pack.
Safe travels. You've got this. 💖