Preparing Your Car for a Spring Break Trip

GRANDVILLE, Mich. –– Spring break is one vacation where you can count on a good time with friends and family usually somewhere warm and sunny. Depending on where you go (see our previous blog for family destination ideas!) and who you're going with, much packing and preparation are in order. What are you going to wear? Who's going to take care of your pets while you're away? What kind of extras do you need to pack? Are you missing anything? What about your car?! If you're driving, it's arguably the most important item you need to prepare for a spring break trip, so you can have a worry free vacation. Don't stress, because at RiverTown Honda we've made preparing your car for a spring break trip easy with coupons and tips galore!

1. Get Your Oil Changed

One of the simplest tasks can help you keep your car running at optimal level and help extend its life. Going with conventional oil is great and will last 3,000-5,000 miles, while going with synthetic oil or a blend will extend the interval between oil changes. Synthetic is better for very hot or cold climates, towing vehicles, and turbocharged engines. You can find answers to all your oil change questions on our FAQ page!

2. Have Fluids Checked and Topped off

There are some very important fluids that keep your vehicle running its best that might not be top of mind but are good to have checked. Coolant, for instance, makes sure your vehicle doesn't overheat when it's running, which is especially important for long road trips where your engine will be hot. Brake fluid serves as a lubricant to movable parts and is important because it makes braking happen properly when it transfers force from the brake pedal to the wheel hub. Windshield washer fluid is another important fluid to have topped off because it allows you to see clearly the road ahead!

3. Get Your Battery Tested

Can you imagine stopping on the way to a vacation and not being able to start back up? You can prevent this by having your battery and its connection tested to ensure a smooth ride. If you have a battery older than 3 years old, it's especially important to have it tested before hitting the road. Make sure to keep jumper cables in your vehicle just in case you need a jump, and always double check to ensure you've turned off all your lights when you get out of your car for the night!

4. Rotate and Check Your Tires

Rotating your tires every other oil change is ideal to keep tread wear even and to extend the life of your tires. Not only will it help the tires wear evenly but it'll improve handling of your vehicle, which is important for a long trip! Also remember to have your tires inflated at the correct PSI. You can find the correct PSI on the sticker on your driver's side door, or in your owner's manual. For more information on tire maintenance, check out the routine maintenance section of our website.

5. Clean Your Car

It may seem counterintuitive to clean your car before a big trip, but it can help prevent some unnecessary hassle. Gather up all the loose items in your glove box and center console and do some rearranging or ridding of items that'll help make it easier to access the things you really need on the road. Then give your car a good wash on the outside to help protect your care from harmful dirt and salt on the road as you travel. If you need help with cleaning your vehicle, check out our detailing packages and a-la-carte cleaning services!

We can do ALL these things at RiverTown Honda and more! Make sure to take advantage and grab service coupons on our website to save big on preparing your car for a spring break trip. It's our goal to help you stay safe on the road wherever you go and provide you the best dealership experience of your life. We were given the President's Award for 2016 last year for our exemplary sales and service, and have been recognized for being the top Honda dealer in the midwest to complete recalls. But, more recently, we've been named the #1 Honda Dealer in Michigan (per AHM new retail sales 2017)

Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

Visit Us Online: RiverTownHonda.com

Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, YouTube