Summertime in Southern Ontario is a magical time, where we collectively understand the window for warm weather is limited, and there are only so many weekends of blue bird skies to take advantage of. So before you can hit the open road, crank the radio and toss the left arm out the window - there are four important steps to take to ensure you don't have to make an unscheduled - and costly stop along the way.
1. Make a plan
Making a plan, regardless of what aspect of life it's in, helps mitigate risk and unnecessary stress - especially when the end goal of a road trip is supposed to be fun. Create a plan with the easiest routes to your destination, back up routes in case of accidents or delays, and planned pit stops on where to refuel your car and your team. It's also wise to have emergency contact numbers programmed into your phone just in case.
2. Supplies for the trip
Having supplies to keep you and your crew properly fuelled is the backbone to a fun road trip. This means having energy boosting snacks, a fully charged cell phone at hand, lots of water and fluids to rehydrate as well as a variety of games and music to help pass the time.
Another trick is to have them easily accessible in your vehicle so you don't have to pull over and have to go rummaging through everything. This all starts with the art of packing your vehicle.
Here are some other key items to build out an emergency kit.
- First aid kid
- Tire jack and lug wrench
- Spare tire
- Jumper cables
- Tire pressure gauge and sealant
- GPS
- Tow strap
- Rags and gloves
- Cell phone charger
While having a fully stocked emergency kit ensures peace of mind, it does not hurt to have another ace up your sleeve in the form of a 24-hour Nationwide Roadside Assistance Program. Knowing that you have a trusted team to rely on can make all the difference in the world. Eastside Auto is proud to offer this program, complete with emergency fluid delivery, lockout, jump-start and flat tire repair.
3. Keep it cool
Did you know that without regular maintenance, an air conditioner loses 5% of its original efficiency per year? And lets face it, a road trip on a hot and muggy summer day can seem devastating without cool air circulating through keeping everyone happy. Getting your A/C checked is an absolute must before venturing out on the open road to keep your crew cool, calm and collected!
4. Get a quick tune up
We have a saying around the shop that it‘s always better to push the limits this summer - but not on the maintenance of your vehicle. That's why our Summer Maintenance package has the weekend warrior in mind with our comprehensive multi-check points on your vehicle so you can hit the road worry free.
- We'll perform a lube, oil and filter service,
- Tire rotation,
- A comprehensive multi-point vehicle inspection,
- We'll also add a full digital vehicle report cardso you know where your car stands.
Plus when you book your appointment before August 31st - you have a chance to win one of 75-iRobot Roomba 650 vacuum cleaning robots for your home!
Book your appointment today at one of our two convenient locations!