Article sponsored by ExxonMobil Synergy Diesel Efficient. For info about sponsored articles, please contact editor@thecoastal.com
According to a 2019 AAA travel survey, nearly 100 million Americans are planning to take a family vacation this year, and half of those families expect to pack up their cars for a road trip. With driving demand at an all-time high during the peak driving season months of May through August, there are a few pre-road trip tips to keep in mind, especially for diesel vehicles, when gearing up for summer travel.
Whether you’re hauling your boat to the nearest lake or driving cross-country for college orientation, it’s important to take the right steps to ensure the diesel vehicle working hard to get you there is ready.
Below are tips from the ExxonMobil Synergy Diesel Efficient™ team:
In cold winter weather, air will condense, leading people to fill tires with more air than during warmer temperatures. Because of this, drivers should make sure tire pressure as well as tread depth is up to recommendation as we transition to warm weather. Don’t forget to check your spare tire as well. Many forget that a spare tire also has a life expectancy and even if you don’t use it, the environment can affect it and it might need to be replaced.
Proper brake pad maintenance is also critical for your safety and for the longevity of your vehicle. While you should have your brake pads checked regularly, it’s also important to be mindful of any vibrations coming from the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking. If you believe your brakes are not as responsive as they should be, or you need longer stopping distances, you should have your brake pads checked prior to a long road trip. This is especially important as more stress will be placed on the brake system when hauling heavy loads.
