Summer is here, which means school is out, vacation mode is on, and road trip season is finally upon us. And, this summer especially, more Canadians are looking to venture out and explore everything this country has to offer. 

Whether your summer road trip takes you to the beach for the day or across the continent to one of Canada’s national parks (which are all free this summer) you’ll want to follow our summer driving and maintenance checklist to make sure you’re ready to hit the road. 

Pre-trip summer maintenance checklist

Check that tire pressure

When it’s hot outside, tire pressures go up. If the pressure gets too high, it can cause a dangerous blowout. But don’t sweat, the fix is easy. Before heading out, or whenever the car has been parked for at least three hours, check the tire pressures. This will give you an accurate reading of the true “cold” tire pressure. If necessary, adjust the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is listed on a placard or sticker on the driver’s doorsill.

Get fresh rubber

Driving on old and/or worn out tires can be like trying to drive on ice. They just don’t provide enough grip, especially in the rain. Have a look at the tread on your tires; for example in Ontario, the minimum acceptable tread depth is 1.5 millimetres, but it varies by province and even season. If the tread depth is too shallow, it’s time for new tires. Same goes for tires that are 10 years old, have bumps, bulges and/or cracks in the sidewall.

Keep your vehicle cool

In summer it’s absolutely crucial to ensure your vehicle’s coolant system is working properly. (If it’s not, the engine could overheat, leaving you stuck by the side of the road.) Before a trip it’s a good idea to look under the hood, find the coolant tank, and check the level by looking to see if the fluid is between the “low” and “full” marks. As with tires, do this before you drive, while the engine is cold. Never check the coolant while the engine is hot; opening the cap while it’s hot can cause hot coolant fluid to spray everywhere.

Do a fluid check

In addition to the coolant, there are a few other fluids that keep your car running smoothly. Before going on a long journey, you’ll want to make sure they’re all fresh and topped up. Checking the engine oil and washer-fluid levels are easy to do yourself. Top up if necessary. When it comes to brake, transmission, and power-steering fluids, most drivers will probably prefer to get their local mechanic to check those out. A good mechanic will check all fluids as part of regular, routine maintenance.

Test the AC

Try your vehicle’s cabin fan and air-conditioner to ensure they’re working properly. Rattles, squeaks or a fan that only works on the highest setting are all early warning signs of trouble. You don’t want to get stuck on a 30-degree day and find out the fan’s broken.

Electrical checks

Drivers tend to think the winter is harder on batteries, but summer heat is actually tougher on a vehicle’s battery. If the vehicle struggles to start, you hear strange sounds when you turn the ignition on, the vehicle stalls unprovoked, or your headlights dim and brighten depending on engine speed, the battery could be about to die.

Summer driving myths, facts and fiction

Is it better to roll your windows down or use AC?

Scientists at the U.S. Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee put this question to the test, and found the answer varies depending on speed and vehicle design. In general, if your goal is to maximize fuel efficiency, at highway speeds you’re better off turning the air-conditioning on and keeping the windows up. At low speeds in the city, however, simply keeping the windows down is more fuel efficient. The choice is yours.

Are winter tires safe to use in summer?

Winter tires are not ideal for hot summer weather; they’ll wear down faster when it’s hot, and won’t have the grip or stopping performance you get from all-season or summer tire. Independent testing by Consumer Reports found some winter tires are more prone to hydroplaning, and don’t stop well on wet or dry surfaces in the summer. 

Can I leave kids alone in the car?

The answer is simple: never leave children alone in a car, not even for a minute. As the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states, “a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult's. Even if the outside temperature is as low as 60 degrees [15.5 Celsius] and the windows are cracked, the temperature inside a vehicle can rapidly reach deadly levels.”

Essential summer road trip gear

For the car: On a long trip you’ll want to keep some extra washer fluid, coolant and engine oil in the trunk. It’s also a good idea to keep a portable tire inflator, jumper cables and/or portable jump starter plus a flat-tire repair kit (or spare tire) in the car. Better safe than sorry!

For passengers: Always keep a first-aid kit and emergency blanket in the car, as well as extra drinking water, a flashlight and some non-perishable snacks. Pack some charging cables that fit your phone and the vehicle too.

For insurance and documentation: You’ll want to keep your driver’s licence, proof of insurance (also known as a pink slip) and vehicle ownership in the vehicle while you’re driving. Depending on where you’re going, you may need special insurance coverage. If you’re unsure or have any questions about what your vehicle insurance policy covers, consult your auto insurance provider.