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OUR BLOG

8/8/2016

How to Ensure Your Vehicle is Properly Prepared for a Summer Road Trip

If you're getting ready to hit the road for a fun end of summer road trip, be sure your car is properly prepared for the trip. To make your trip a fun one, avoid having to deal with car issues while trying to reach your destination. Instead, follow these tips from Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. in Dickinson for a successful trip.

Perform Seasonal Maintenance

Taking care of seasonal vehicle maintenance is the best way to ensure your car stays in great shape. Regularly taking care of maintenance tasks can help reduce wear on important parts of your car while also making you aware of issues that need to be fixed. After properly completing your maintenance, you will be able to decide if your car is ready for a road trip or if you are better off renting a car for your trip.

Check Your Lights

Along with seasonal maintenance, it is important that you inspect areas that are not always taken into account. Start by checking on all the lights your car uses. Your headlights should be bright enough for you to see the road on a dark night. Be sure to also test your high beams and fog lights just in case you come across conditions where they will be required. Head to the back of your car and check that your taillights and brake lights are all properly working. Once you're sure these are lighting up properly, test the turn signals. Checking your lights is extremely important even if you don't plan on doing any night driving. Rain and other stormy conditions can surprise you while on the road, so it's best to be prepared for everything.

Get Your Air Conditioning Serviced

It's no secret that the summer months are the hottest months of the year. To combat the heat, be sure to get your air conditioning serviced if it isn't as cold as it used to be. You don't want to get stuck driving through a hot desert road and discover that your air conditioner no longer works. Before heading out on your trip, test your air conditioning and get it fixed accordingly.

Replace Your Windshield Wipers

Although summer tends to be hot, summer storms are still a possibility. After a hot, dry summer, your windshield wipers may be dry and brittle. If this is the case, it is best to get them replaced before heading on a trip. If you get caught in a storm with dry windshield wipers that can't completely clean your windshield, you can end up in real danger. Be sure your visibility is at its best at all times by taking care of your windshield wipers.

Carry an Emergency Kit

You should always carry an emergency kit in your vehicle, but this is even more important if you're heading out on a road trip. Before you leave, check your emergency kit and restock items that have been used or that are running low. Things to should be included in your kit are a first aid kit, blankets, flares, important vehicle fluids, maps, flashlights, and batteries. A maintenance task that should never be put off is getting a synthetic oil change. Contact Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. in Dickinson to find the best AMSOIL products for your vehicle. Call Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc at (701) 572- 3780 to place your order today!

How to Avoid Summer Road Accidents

If you're worried about the dangers of summer driving, Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. in Dickinson has some tips to help you avoid road accidents this summer.

Avoid Construction Zones

Construction zones are more common during the summer months and should be avoided. Not only do these areas cause backed up traffic and stressed out drivers, they also require that drivers be more cautious and alert. Because some drivers fail to follow these rules, construction zones generally see more road accidents.

Pay Attention to Your Tires

Checking your tires should be a part of your summer maintenance checklist, but it's worth mentioning again. Worn tires may suffer even more damage in the summer heat leaving more susceptible to blowing out. A tire blowout can put you in danger so be sure to change worn tires before a road trip.

Watch Out for People

The hot summer weather usually leads to more people leaving their homes and enjoying the outdoors. While on the road, look out for bicyclists and motorcyclists and be sure to share the road with them. If you're driving near a park or other crowded area, slow down and watch out for children and other people who may enter the street without looking out for cars.

Don't Ignore the Sun

The sun may be hard to ignore when temperatures are scorching, but it's still worth the reminder. If you're going to be driving in a direction that puts the sun in your eyes, carry sunglasses and a hat in your car. Remember to wear sunblock while in the car to avoid burns and carry water to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated is important while driving long distances because it will help your stay alert.

Get Synthetic Oil Change in Dickinson

Remember that there are many benefits of using synthetic oil, especially during the hot summer months. Contact Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. in Dickinson at (701) 572- 3780 to find the perfect AMSOIL OIL products for your car this summer.