Your Summer Road Trip Starts at the Auto Shop Don't Let Car Trouble Derail Your Summer Adventure!

So, you're planning to hit the road this summer, perhaps checking off a list of state parks along the way. Or maybe you've got even bigger aspirations, like setting your sights on California's Cabazon dinosaurs (the largest dino steel/concrete sculptures in America). &emsp;Whatever your flavor of adventure, you won't get far if your vehicle isn't in good shape for the journey. Take it from the local experts who spend their spring making sure the rest of us are road-ready for sunshine season. &emsp;"In our area, many vehicles are coming out of a long winter where cold temperatures and challenging weather conditions tend to keep people off the roads and, understandably, delay non-urgent repairs," says Jenna Hobert, director of operations at KG Automotive Solutions in Fitzwilliam, NH. &emsp;As a result, this time of year mechanics commonly field a lot of worn brakes, alignment issues and suspension concerns. &emsp;Not to mention overdue maintenance priorities: like fluids, filters and tires. While Hobert notes it's understandable that these end up lower on the list in winter, "staying on top of preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of a vehicle and 'buy more miles' over time," she says. &emsp;Top of the list before packing your bags: tires. Check tread depth, overall condition and inflation. Next: brakes, especially after a tough winter. &emsp;Then check essential fluids, such as engine oil and coolants, which are common culprits for engine issues as outdoor temperatures rise. &emsp;"Components like radiators, water pumps, hoses, and thermostats are all placed under increased stress during extended driving in warmer weather," Hobert notes. &emsp;And don't forget your car battery. We often think of winter as the hardest on batteries, but higher temps can accelerate internal wear in older batteries, leading to unexpected failure. &emsp;And then there's the all-important air conditioning! You don't want your idyllic family road trip to require therapy years from now. Staying comfortable on long drives is important, so it's worth making sure everything's in working order before you roll out. Just because your car seems fine … "A common misconception is that if a vehicle feels like it's running fine, there's no immediate need for maintenance," Hobert says. Many people have also been told their vehicle has "lifetime" fluids. But in reality, Hobart explains, those intervals often align more closely with the manufacturer's warranty period than with the vehicle's full lifespan. &emsp;As vehicles exceed 100,000 miles and move beyond warranty coverage, preventative maintenance becomes increasingly important to help avoid unexpected breakdowns. &emsp;That's one reason KG provides a complimentary safety inspection every time a vehicle enters the shop for service, even for something as simple as an oil change. That thorough look-over helps catch small concerns early and offers drivers the opportunity to get a closer look. &emsp;"Whenever possible, we invite them out to the shop so they can see their vehicle on the lift alongside our technician," Hobart says. It helps drivers better understand the car's condition, she notes, and feel more confident in the road ahead. &emsp;It can also be worth asking about warranty coverage before having repairs done. &emsp;"Some local shops, including ours, offer nationwide warranties such as 3-year/36,000-mile coverage," which can provide added peace of mind should something unexpected come up during a trip, Hobart says. She adds that sometimes there's a common perception that only larger chains provide that level of protection, but many independent shops offer both strong warranty coverage and personal support. &emsp;Another benefit of working closely with a local shop is accessibility. &emsp;"If you do need assistance while on the road, it's often easier to connect directly with the shop that performed the work and get support without navigating multiple layers," she explains. &emsp;"Taking a proactive approach to maintenance not only helps prevent larger issues but also allows you to get the most life out of your vehicle and keep it reliably on the road," Hobert says. She adds that since mechanic shops get busier this time of year, it is best to book your pre-trip maintenance in advance. &emsp;If you've been scrolling Airbnbs and prepping your boss for your PTO request, add a vehicle appointment at your local auto mechanic to your to-do list. It might not feel as dreamy as vacation planning. But it can make your travels much dreamier when the drive is smooth. SIDEBAR Tow Smart: Tips for Hauling with Confidence Now what if you're towing on this epic adventure, especially for the first time? There's a lot to learn. But a few basics can help you build your confidence. &emsp;But how do you know if your vehicle is equipped to safely tow? This one is kind of a two-part question. &emsp;First, you need to make sure the vehicle can tow your RV safely, says Jamien Deschenes of Deschenes Auto & RV Center in Jaffrey, NH. Find the maximum weight you can safely tow by Googling the make, model and options list of your vehicle. Second, find out if your vehicle has a tow package, which would include necessary add-ons, like a properly rated hitch and wiring. &emsp;As a rule, trailers over 3,000 pounds need extra braking support. Heavier loads strain your suspension and transmission, too. Proper setup and maintenance become even more important. Talking to an expert can help you cover all your bases. &emsp;When it comes to weight, "we say to people all the time: just because you can, doesn't mean you should," Deschenes says. &emsp;For instance, if your vehicle's towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds, you shouldn't be towing that much. &emsp;"Tow no more than 80 percent of what your vehicle is capable of," he emphasizes. &emsp;This issue is one of the most common mistakes people make — overloading. It's easy to underestimate how much weight you've packed in, including travel gear, people and equipment. "But it can have long-term effects on the vehicle and the trailer," Deschenes says. &emsp;The distribution of weight also has an impact. &emsp;"You want your weight spread evenly and more toward the front," Deschenes says. &emsp;The goal is to make the trailer as level as possible (see diagram). But be careful not to put too much weight in the front, because when you brake, the trailer will head further in that direction, reducing traction. Systems like weight-distribution hitches and sway control can enhance both comfort and control while you're towing. &emsp;Practicing your driving skills also makes a big difference. &emsp;"You can't whip a U-turn anymore; you need space. And it's going to take you longer to stop," Deschenes says. &emsp;And don't forget to learn how to back up. Lots of modern trailers come equipped with a backup camera, but there's still a knack to it. &emsp;"I have customers that have been coming here for 10 or 15 years that still hand me the keys and ask me to back it up," Deschenes says. It isn't easy and takes a lot of practice. "We even have signs in our office that say: 'I'm sorry for what I said while backing up the camper,'" he adds with a laugh. &emsp;Practicing in a large, empty parking lot goes a long way toward helping you get confidently out on the open road. And planning your route can be equally beneficial because rolling into a town with a low bridge can create a sticky situation fast. (Just think of all the covered bridges across this region!) &emsp;So, if your goal is to be a master tower by the end of the summer, the proof is really in the preparation. Talk to the experts; practice, practice, practice; and plan ahead. Then, when you hit the road, you can focus on the trip, not the stress.