With temperatures finally cooling down, you might feel inspired to take an adventure and explore some of the amazing scenic drives that Arizona has to offer. Whether you’re taking a day trip on Catalina Highway to Mt. Lemmon, heading to Sonoita via State Route 83, or traversing Arizona’s Sky Islands on Coronado Forest’s Swift Trail near Safford, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is ready for the drive. With a little preparation ahead of time, you can reduce the risk of getting stuck on the side of the road with a disabled vehicle.
Inspect Your Vehicle
Set the tone for a great trip by taking the time to inspect your vehicle before you depart. Here are the essential steps for your fall road trip vehicle checklist.
- Check tire pressure – Changes in temperature can alter your tire pressure, so be sure that all tires are inflated to the correct PSI recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. You should also look at your tread depth and make sure that your tires are in good condition with even, non-excessive wear.
- Test the battery – Arizona summers are tough on vehicle batteries. Heat can cause damage and shorten the typical lifespan of a vehicle battery, so be sure to test the battery before leaving home. Most auto parts shops offer battery testing for free. While you’re under the hood, clean and tighten the battery terminals to remove any rust or corrosion.
- Inspect the cooling system – Although temperatures are dropping, it can still get hot during fall in Arizona. So, you should be sure your vehicle’s cooling system is ready for the trip. Check for cracked or loose hoses, radiator damage, and adequate fluid levels. Top off fluids as needed.
- Schedule an oil change – If you are getting close to the recommended mileage for your next oil change, schedule the service before you leave instead of waiting until you get home.
Pack Your Emergency Kit
While inspecting your vehicle can reduce the risk of a breakdown, blowout, or accident, you should still be prepared for an emergency. Your emergency kit should include fresh drinking water (metal or glass containers are preferred over plastic), non-perishable food, extra clothing layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, a flashlight, first-aid kit, and portable jump-starter.
Plan Your Route
Road construction, weather-related closures, and other hazards can throw you off your path on a road trip, so be sure to check your route with Arizona 511 and plan for alternate routes in the event of an emergency. You should also check the weather forecast before you leave and throughout your trip. Conditions can change quickly, especially when you are traveling through high elevation areas.
When the unexpected occurs and you need Arizona roadside assistance this fall, count on Barnett’s Towing to provide the recovery services you need to get back on the road. We provide service throughout Southern Arizona, whether you’re in the cities of Tucson, Benson, or Sierra Vista or well off the beaten path on some of the state’s more secluded scenic roads.