With summer just around the corner, many of us are looking forward to taking some relaxing road trips, sightseeing different parts of the country and just enjoying time away from the daily grind.
But before hitting the r, we spoke to Meguiar’s car care expert Mike Pennington, to find out how to best prep your car and ensure it will not only get you there and back safely, but upon returning, look like it never even left the garage:
1. Protect the paint.
When you’re driving long distances, your car will surely get bombarded by the elements. Before you get on the road, Pennington recommends applying a coat of synthetic polymer protection up to a month before the trip. It’s like sunscreen for your paint and will ensure your exterior remains intact.
2. Anticipate the bugs.
Not only do bugs on the windshield look unsightly, it’s also unsafe if it impairs your vision. Pennington suggests keeping a bottle of glass cleaning (as well as a waterless wash product for the paint) with some microfiber towels in your trunk. He says bird droppings that sit on the car for two or three days will start to etch into the car’s finish; and road salt, road debris and dead bugs will also bond to the surface if left untreated, so it’s always best to clean them off right away.
3. Maintain the interior
Stains on your car’s seats and floors are inevitable on long road trips, especially if you grab food on the go. To prevent these entirely, it’s a good idea to put down an old sheet or towel to catch all the unwanted stains. Pennington also recommends having wipes on hand, something that can quickly clean up an accidental spill or unwanted grease. Also, make you have a trash bag handy.
4. Perform all the safety checks.
- Air pressure in tires – Proper air pressure ensures safety and better gas mileage.
- Brakes – With so much stop and go on the road, properly working brakes are essential.
- Fluids – Oil, coolant and windshield washer fluid should all be topped off.
- Lights – Headlights, turn signals, brake lights and hazard lights should all be tested before hitting the road.
- Air conditioning – Especially during the summer months, you’ll want to make sure your a/c is working.
