5 Tips to a Successful Summer Road Trip
Summer is upon us, and you know what that means – sunny days by the pool or at the beach, BBQs with friends, vacations, and…road trips! Summer is the perfect time to hop in your ride, fire up the engine and go. Where to? It doesn’t matter. The world, as they say, is your oyster. There’s nothing quite like cruising down the road with the wind at your back and endless possibilities ahead. No matter where you’re going, though, you need to prepare.
Hitting the road is exciting, exhilarating and freeing – but it can also take a toll on your car. From your engine to your tires to your windows to your interior, make sure your car is ready to hit the open road – and all the bumps and bruises along the way.
1. Protect Your Engine
If you’re planning a long summer road trip, consider getting a tune-up – especially if it’s been awhile. You want your car to perform at the highest level no matter how far you’re going. Changing the oil is of utmost importance as well – if it’s been more than 3 months or 5000 miles, it’s time to grease up. A tune-up and oil change will make a huge difference in the way your car performs and feels – and your road trip more pleasurable.
2. Protect Your Tires
Like a pair of tennis shoes, your tires perform best with lots of tread. If it’s been more than two years since you last changed your tires, check them for wear and tear. If the tread is worn down, you’ll want to either replace or rotate your tires. Your car won’t go far without tires, so make sure they’re ready to go, and that you have a spare handy.
3. Protect Your Paint and Body
Your car’s exterior body takes a lot of punches. When you’re cruising down the highway at 70 mph (or more) a lot can happen. Rocks bounce up and make dents. Bugs get squashed. Dust and dirt cover your car. While these things are unavoidable, you can protect your car and paint job from damage. Solar Gard’s Clearshield Pro protective film is a tough, clear barrier that acts like body armor for your car. It’s an invisible layer that helps protect your paint against chips, scratches, and stains caused by road debris, insects and more. Protective films like Clearshield Pro help ensure your ride looks as good at the end of your summer road trip as it did at the beginning.
4. Protect Your Windows
Everyone knows that tinted windows are cool. That’s not up for debate. But tinted window films offer far more than a sleek look for your car – they offer protection and comfort. Tinted window films, like Solar Gard’s Ultra Performance Plus protect your interior from fading due to prolonged exposure to the sun, protect your windshield from shattering, and help keep heat from the sun out, allowing you to burn less fuel by using your air conditioner more judiciously. And with 99% protection from UV rays, Ultra Performance Plus protects your skin from sun damage. You wouldn’t head to the beach on a sunny day without sunglasses. Why not give your car some shades as well?
5. Protect Yourself
When you hit the road this Summer, you want to keep your car safe. But more importantly, you want to keep yourself and your passengers safe. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. Wear sunblock or install tinted window films. Make sure the critical components of your car – wheels, brakes, fluids, etc. – are in proper working order. In short – prepare to hit the road before you hit the road.
If you want to learn more about auto films and tinted window films, or find a dealer in your area, visit www.solargard.com.
Happy road tripping!
