Your bags are packed, your kiddos bag are packed, and you’ve got your sunscreen, maps (and/or Iphone’s Siri) and a sense of adventure in tow. You may be all ready for summer vacation, but what about your car? Read on to see what you can do yourself and what you’ll want to check on with your local Leif Johnson service center before you’re beach (or mountain, or desert, or…) bound.

Check with a tech:

Air conditioning. This goes on the top of our list because, well, we’re in Texas. It is hot, y’all. The last thing you need breaking down (besides the car itself) is your AC. Have this checked on by one of your friendly Leif Johnson techs and we’ll make sure you’re nice and cool your entire trip.

Cooling System. According to cars.com, “The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating.” The system should be totally flushed and refilled every two years or so, while the level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked every few months. It is possible to do this one yourself, but make sure you never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled.

Overall Performance of Engine- If you’re engine seems to be running funny or you just want to be extra safe, come on out to one of our Leif Johnson locations and we’ll check it out for you!

Tires- Have our service department rotate these for you every 5,000 miles! You can also check your own tire pressure once a month, and make sure you have a spare and jack handy before you hit the road.

Brakes – Check your manual to see how often these should be checked with your Leif Johnson techs, or go ahead and stop by if you are aware of car pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance.

Emergencies- Ask your Leif Johnson Ford tech what basic tools you should bring along, and don’t forget the first aid kit, flares and flashlight.

Battery – Have a tech at Leif Johnson check your battery to assure it’s not weak once your trip had begun.

Do-it-yourselvers

Battery: This part you can do on your own. Clean all surfaces, scrape the grimy stuff off of posts and also wipe and retighten all connections. Check fluid levels every month if your battery cap is removable. Safety first! Don’t forget the eye gear and rubber gloves.

Oil-  Oil should be changed every few months, and it’s a good idea to have some fresh stuff right before a roadtrip. This is an okay one for the Mr. Or Miss Fix-It of the house to perform, but Leif Johnson would love to help you change your oil too! (Our prices are unbeatable, Stop in and see!)

Windshield Wipers- Nobody wants a dirty windshield on a long road-trip. A pair of new blades and windshield wiper solvent will quickly solve the dirty windshield dilemma.

Lights- Replace your burnt out bulbs, clean dirt and bugs from lenses and if you don’t want scratches, don’t use a dry rag!

All the little things- Wash, vacuum and clean out your car, check the coolant, fill the gas tank and don’t forget to have a BLAST!

One more thing. From all your friends at Leif Johnson Ford, HAPPY VACATIONING!