Here’s how to get your car road-trip ready

The COVID-19 outbreak gave many Phoenix-area drivers – at least those fortunate enough to be able to work from home – the unexpected benefit of not having to make their daily commute.

As other aspects of regular life also slowed or came to a halt, many vehicles that were normally pressed into daily services were left sitting in garages or driveways for days or weeks at a time.

Now, with summer road trip season in full swing, mechanics advise drivers to get their vehicles checked out before heading on a long drive.

Some of these tips are things that drivers should look for before any road trip, but a few of them are particular to the times we currently find ourselves living in.

Take a short drive first

Aldo Vasquez, a spokesman for AAA Arizona, said via email that it’s a good idea to get behind the wheel regularly to make sure things are OK with your vehicle before you plan a long trip.

“If you’re not driving your vehicle as much right now, try to get it out on the road at least for 30 minutes a week to keep it running smoothly,” Vasquez wrote. “For example, if you head to the grocery store, choose a store that is further away from you so that you give your vehicle more time on the road to run properly and stay healthy.”

AAA recommends having a trusted mechanic give your car an inspection before taking a road trip. Be sure your vehicle has had the necessary fluid changes and look for signs of overheating. Make sure to also get the tires and battery checked before leaving.

Summer heat kills batteries

It’s a good idea to get the battery checked because the summer heat takes a toll on battery life under normal circumstances. Cars that have been sitting idle don’t get a recharging boost from

the alternator when the engine is running.

Vasquez said AAA noticed a 5% increase in calls for dead batteries in March and April of this year (the first months of shutdowns for the coronavirus outbreak) compared with that same time last year due, at least in

part, to cars not being driven as much.

Check for critters

Topping the list from yourmechanic.com, a service that sends mechanics to you, is to check under the hood to make sure pests, including birds, rats, mice or even cats, haven’t been nesting in your car. The service advises drivers look for signs like animal droppings, food or torn wires under the hood.

Other advice includes basic tips such as checking air filters (including the cabin air filter if your vehicle has one). Check tire condition and pressure and make sure all lights and signals are working.

Another COVID-19-specific tip is to have a supply of hand wipes for the trip, but avoid petroleum-based wipes that can dry out your vehicle’s plastic parts.