Have plans etched out for a road trip? Yo may think an SUV is the ideal choice for the journey ahead, but there are many reasons why you may want to consider opting for a truck. Take the latest 2017 GMC Canyon as an example. The Canyon is a midsize truck that delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, strong engine power, and plenty of tech features to pamper and entertain everyone along for the ride. Plus, with its nice bed sizes in back, you can take all the cargo you need for wherever the road takes you. Now that yo know what you should drive, these are some things you should do prior to your road trip in order to ensure your truck will run smoothly and efficiently while on the road.
Check Fluids
For your truck to run as it should, it contains a number of essential fluids. So before hitting the road, you should check all fluid levels to make sure they are at the appropriate level. Some fluids include: oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and power-steering fluid. Doing this prior to your journey will not only tell you if you need to top off any fluids that may be low, but it is also a good way to know if there are any leaks that should be fixed.
Check Tire Pressure
Your tires are the number one safety system on your truck. This is why it is vital to have them checked for the correct air pressure before venturing out on any road trips. Tires that have the incorrect air pressure are subject to a number of problems, such as an increased risk of blowouts and flats. They also decrease fuel economy, and if you’re planning on spending many hours, even days, on the road, you’ll want the best fuel economy possible.
While you’re checking the air pressure of your truck’s four main tires, don’t forget to also check the spare – an essential tire to have at all times, but especially when traveling for extended amounts of time.
Check Tire Treads
Along with checking your truck’s tires for proper air pressure, you should also inspect their treads. Because treads are designed to help your tires grip the road, they go hand-in-hand with on-road safety. When treads are poor, they are unable to do their job which can lead to dangerous situations, like sliding, skidding and hydroplaning. This is especially true in bad weather, like heavy rains, ice and snow. Before heading out on the road, inspect the treads on all tires, including the spare to ensure safety on the drive ahead.
Change OilMore than likely, you’ve been told countless times that the key to a healthy vehicle is to regularly change its oil – and we agree. During extended trips where your engine is forced to run for long periods of time, you want to make sure it will be able to do the job. Changing the oil prior to your trip is an excellent way to ensure that it will. Why exactly? There are two main reasons:
1. Oil helps draw heat away from the engine so it will not overheat.2. Oil lubricates internal engine parts to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently.
Replace Air Filter
Another way to help your truck’s engine survive a road trip is by ensuring it has a continuous supply of clean air. To do this, you should replace your engine’s air filter. The air filter works by catching all external junk like dirt, leaves, bugs and trash in order to stop it from being pulled into the engine. When an air filter does its job, your engine is left with clean air – an element that allows it to perform its best. But when an air filter is old and dirty, it cannot do its job – a problem that leads to your engine’s air supply being restricted. This can cause problems like overheating and serious engine damage. Your best bet it to have your engine’s air filter replaced when you take your truck in for an oil change. This way you can knock out two birds with one stone.
For more on the 2017 GMC Canyon, and to get your truck road-trip ready, visit our dealership in Harrisburg, PA.
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