Getting Your Volkswagen Road Trip Ready

Apr 21, 2017

As the weather warms up in southwest Louisiana it means crawfish boils, outdoor festivals, and for many, hitting the road. Whether it be a weekend day trip, or a spring break jaunt, something about this time of year just lures us outside to make the most of it. But before you hit the road, getting your Volkswagen road trip ready is vital. To help you prepare, we have put together a checklist that will reduce the chance of something going wrong and help you maximize your fun on the road.

Prepping under the hood

Check your coolant. Though our winters aren’t extreme, the transition back to warmer weather is the right time to make sure your coolant is at its optimum level

Check your battery. Problems with a battery usually occur when the weather gets abruptly cold, but before you embark on your journey, it is best to make sure your battery is good to go.

Get an oil change. A road trip will inevitably put miles on your car. If you are close to being due for an oil change, it’s better to get one before you leave rather than pushing it until you get back.

Check your air filter. Most oil change places offer to do this for you. The best time to do this is just before a long trip. A clean, properly functioning air filter helps maximize your gas mileage which will reduce your number of stops before your destination, and should save you a few dollars that are better spent where you are going.

Prepping around the vehicle

Check your inspection sticker. Once you’re out on the road, you will likely find yourself passing through small, unfamiliar towns. The last thing you want is to risk getting a ticket away from home for an expired inspection sticker.

Check your windshield and wipers. You want to thoroughly clean your windshield to guarantee your vision behind the wheel is at its best. You also want to check your wipers. If you happen upon some inclement weather, you want your windshield wipers to their job as well.

Check your exterior lights. This includes headlights, brake lights and turn indicators. Naturally, you want to be as safe as possible while on the road. But this is another area that, if neglected, could lead to a ticket.

Check your tires. You want to make sure they are properly inflated, but more than that, you want to make sure your tread isn’t too worn to be safe on an extended trip. The best way to do this is with the penny test.

Prepping inside the vehicle

Test your outlets. Our cell phones are an integral part of our daily lives, and being plugged in allows you to make the most of Volkswagen’s infotainment system. You don’t want your phone’s battery to die when you are in an area you are in an unfamiliar area. Test your outlets and USB ports to make sure they are in working order before you leave. And of course, remember to pack your charger.

Make sure all seatbelts and receivers are easily accessible. Since safety should always be your top priority, it is important to make sure everyone in the vehicle can get to and buckle their seat belts.

Prepare an emergency kit. This should include jumper cables, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Hopefully you won’t need it, but it brings peace of mind to have it.

The point of any good road trip is to explore, relax, and above all, get home safely. By taking a few extra steps before you hit the road, you are doing your part to make sure all three of those things happen. If you find you need assistance with any of the items on this checklist, or have any other questions, we encourage to call our team at Southwest Volkswagen and we will be happy to help.