Packing some bags and hopping in the car for a road trip can be a fun way to spend time with friends and family as the summer ends. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or simply a long drive to a favorite destination, preparing your vehicle before you hit the road is essential so you don’t run into any trouble. Here are some fun summer road trip ideas, along with tips for how you can get your car road trip ready.
Fun End-of-Summer Road Trip Ideas
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Nothing beats the heat of summer like a good road trip. Getting there is half the fun, regardless of where you plan to go for your trip. If you live in the El Monte, California, area, here are a few fun road trip ideas for you to consider:
Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway stretches over 650 miles of the rugged California coastline. It remains a marvel of human ingenuity, making it a perfect summer road trip for those wanting to see more of what their state has to offer. You will see many locations that make California unique, from surfing villages to wineries. Check out more of Southern California’s golden beaches, stop by San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, and marvel at the beauty of Northern California’s redwood trees. The highway is especially popular in late summer when the weather is fair.
Route 66
As one of the first long-distance highways in the continental United States, Route 66 quickly rose to fame in the 20th century and remains one of the country’s most famous road trip destinations. The route runs over 2,000 miles, beginning in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica. Regardless of how far you decide to go, you’ll find many iconic stops along the way, from the alluring Blue Hole in New Mexico to the famed Gateway Arch in Missouri.
US Route 395
While not as well-known as the Pacific Coast Highway, US Route 395 remains a popular road trip for those who enjoy nature. The route runs through California, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon, stretching to the Canadian border. It crosses through major national parks and popular tourist destinations, including Death Valley National Park, Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Lakes, and Lake Tahoe.
17-Mile Drive
The 17-Mile Drive is a scenic road that runs through Pebble Beach, California. It makes a perfect road trip for people wanting to experience the beauty of the Pacific Coast in just a few hours. Check out the beautiful mansions that line the drive, look for whales, seabirds, and other wildlife, and stop to play some world-class golf. The route offers exceptional dining and shopping options to fit all budgets. And in late summer, you can also see the unique coastal wildflowers blooming along the road, making for some gorgeous pictures.
Getting Your Car Road Trip Ready
Before setting off on your much-anticipated road trip, there are a few things you’ll need to do to get your car prepared for the long adventure ahead. Making sure that your vehicle is in a good enough condition to tack on some miles can go a long way to ensuring that you don’t have too much car trouble while on your trip. Here are the most important things to do to get your car road trip ready:
Check Your Fluids
You typically need to change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles. Depending on the make or model you drive, it may be necessary to change it more or less often. If you know you’re close to having to get an oil change, it’s helpful to schedule it in advance before you leave for your trip so you don’t have to worry about it while on the road. In addition, check your power steering, windshield wiper, and transmission fluid levels and top them off if you find they’re too low.
Check Your Brakes
If you notice your brakes squealing, it may be time to replace your brake pads. Or if you notice that your brakes feel spongy or loose, it may mean your brake fluid is low. Make sure you schedule an appointment to inspect your brakes before leaving for your road trip. This can also help you ensure they can last a long time.
Inspect Your Tires
Your tires are one of your car’s most essential parts, as they support your vehicle load and help the car navigate different terrains. Tire inflation may also affect your car’s fuel economy, and it’s vital to ensure that they’re adequately inflated, especially if you know you’re going to be driving hundreds of miles. Under-inflated tires may make your car work harder, causing a decline in fuel economy, which can cost you at the pump. In addition, check the tread in your tires. Uneven wear may mean you’re due for a tire rotation.
Inspect Your Battery
In the summer heat, your car’s battery may lose its charge faster. In addition, if you have a battery that’s more than two years old, it may be necessary to get it checked annually, especially if you sometimes struggle with starting your car. Make sure you check your battery by taking it to a professional or disconnecting it and cleaning the connectors with a wire brush. Check for corrosion and make sure that the connection is tight. In addition, observe the brightness of your headlights as dimmer lights may mean your battery needs replacing soon.
The end-of-summer road trip season is here, and our team at Longo Lexus hopes this article was helpful if you’re planning one of your own. Want a new car for your trip? We’ve got you covered with a wide selection of new inventory, in addition to quality pre-owned inventory. We also offer a variety of service specials and complimentary maintenance for every new Lexus you own, so you can get your car in tip-top shape for your trip with money to spare. Contact us today to get started.
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