Get Ready for a Summer Road Trip in a Used Car
Our Buy Here, Pay Here Dealership’s Top 10 Tips
Did you know America has over 4 million miles of road just waiting to be explored this summer? Whether you're planning an epic road trip or just want a weekend getaway, you can go anywhere in one of our used cars in Kansas City from Auto Bank!
Even though our buy here, pay here dealerships have affordable and reliable used cars, you still need to do a bit of footwork to prepare for your long drive. Check out our top 10 tips to get ready for a summer road trip.
1. Inspect Your Tires First
Checking the quality of your tires only takes a few minutes. Make sure there are no cracks, bubbles, or warps in your tires. These are sure signs that you need new tires. Double check the inflation pressure in all four tires, plus your spare. Replacing your tires can be expensive. So, try to replace them well ahead of your trip, so they aren’t an unexpected liability.
Road Trip Tip: The service technicians at our used car lots near you recommend checking your tires when your car hasn’t been driven for several hours. The friction from the road heats your tires and affects your tire pressure.
2.Check Your Fluids
Maintaining your fluids is one of the best ways to prolong the lifespan of your used car. If you want to check and top off your fluids on your own, consult your owner’s manual. However, the team at Auto Bank thinks getting your oil changed and fluids topped off by a professional is a better idea. You can relax before your big adventure and be sure everything is in working order.
3. Replace the Wiper Blades
On the road, you won’t be able to stay updated with the weather. This means you need to be prepared for summer storms. Replacing your windshield wiper blades is critical for a safe road trip. Fortunately, windshield wipers are inexpensive and can be ordered online well before your trip.
Road Trip Tip: At our buy here, pay here dealership, we focus on customer service. If you're looking for incredible used cars in Kansas City for your next road trip, check out our online fuel savings calculator. It will show you how much you could save by upgrading your vehicle.
4. Look Under the Hood
When you’re unfamiliar with the setup of a car engine, popping the hood of your car may seem a little intimidating. Don’t worry, you’re just checking the belts and hoses for blisters, bulges, cracks, and cuts. Repair anything that shows serious signs of wear and tear before you hit the road.
5. Test the Lights and AC
You’re going to be driving at night for at least a portion of your trip. Test your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazards, and interior lights. You don’t want the summer sun interrupting your trip, either. So, make sure your air conditioner works properly, too.
Road Trip Tip: Our technicians at Auto Bank know used cars inside and out. They recommend taking your vehicle for a test drive with the air conditioner on. Pay attention to dips in cooling, and get to an auto repair shop if you think anything seems off.
6. Check Your Brakes
Driving with bad brakes is dangerous. While you’re testing your air conditioner, pay special attention to the brakes, too. Keep your ears open for any grinding or vibrating when you apply the brakes. These sounds are serious signs that you need to get to a mechanic before your road trip.
7. Don’t Forget About the Kids
They say getting there is half the fun, but it’s best not to test that theory on a long car ride with kids. Make sure you pack snacks, water, and entertainment for each member of your family, including your pets. Remember to stop and stretch your legs about every couple of hours and enjoy making memories with your family at unexpected pit-stops.
Road Trip Tip: Keep all your devices charged and have battery packs available. Auto Bank has used SUVs in Kansas City that have multiple charging ports and interior entertainment centers. Visit one of our two car lots near you and see what we have in stock for your summer road trip and beyond.
8. Make an Emergency Kit
You never know when you might encounter something like a flat tire. Always keep insurance on your used car, and keep an emergency kit in it at all times, even if you’re just driving your daily commute. Common items include batteries, blankets, first aid kits, flares, flashlights, and water bottles.
9. Plan Your Route
Unless you plan to travel down the iconic Route 66, you should plan your route. This will keep you on schedule to get to your hotel or campsite, and it will keep you safe. When your friends and family know your route, they can find you easily in case of an emergency. Plus, you’ll know where all the fun attractions are before you head out.
Road Trip Tip: We have plenty of used cars at our buy here, pay here dealerships that are equipped with navigation, which help keep your eyes on the road and off your phone. That being said, never text and drive and always take a break from driving when you feel tired.
10. Make Your Playlist
You can’t have an epic road trip without an epic playlist! Skip browsing through social media and start gathering songs that make you feel energetic and happy. Make sure your playlist contains a few hours of music, so you don’t get sick of your favorite songs. If you’re driving at night, choose extra upbeat songs to help you keep your eyes wide open and skip anything mellow and calming.
Purchase One of Our Used Cars In Kansas City and Spend Summer on the Road!
Don’t think your current vehicle can make the drive this summer? Then upgrade to one of our used cars at Auto Bank, Kansas City’s premiere buy here, pay here dealership. We make buying a nearly new vehicle simple and fast with our in-house car financing! You can even get pre-approval by using our online financing feature.
Get your tires spinning into summer by calling our E. Truman Road car lot at (816) 241-7880, our East Front Street location at (816) 231-9300, or by sending us a message online. See how much you can get for your trade by using our online trade-in calculator before you get your final appraisal at one of our car lots near you!