“Mom, are we there yet?” “Dad, I can’t get cell service!” “Uh, did we just miss our turn?”
Ah, summertime in Colorado! So many things to explore (and complaints to hear). The time is near!
You also know how stressful it can be to pull all the gear together, get on the road and make it to your destination, all in one piece and with minimal yelling and stress. And possibly without cell reception to have a map guide the way.
To make things a little less stressful, have your vehicle serviced before you head out on your first trip exploring or to the first soccer tournament of the summer.
Eric and Erika Gibson, owners of 5th Gear Automotive, explore Colorado in the summer and also shuttle kids to soccer and dance, so they understand the stress. “We may not be able to prevent all fights, but if you have your vehicle serviced before you head out, we can at least prevent fighting about the vehicle,” Eric laughs.
Eric and Erika, their 13-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son, and the family’s boxers, Todd and Stella, enjoy getting out as much as they can. This usually means camping in their camper trailer in Colorado or Nebraska at least once, if not twice a month. Their favorite spot is Blue Mesa Reservoir west of Gunnison. They enjoy renting boats, watching the dogs swim and star gazing at night.
Eric and Erika, both from northern California, grew up camping, and oftentimes a boat was included. Erika camped with her grandparents, and Eric’s parents were members of a boat club on an island that was only accessible by boat.
Given that they both had outdoor experiences growing up, Eric and Erika wanted their kids to experience camping too. And part of that experience is preparation—food, clothing, water and your vehicle (and camper, ATV, etc.).
Just like preparing your vehicle for winter conditions, you also need to prepare it for summer conditions. While you may not want to spend the money or time to have a pre-trip inspection done, it’s not a lot of money and hassle compared to having a problem in the middle of nowhere with no cell service.
“A pre-trip inspection is really important.” Eric said. He added, “At the beginning of summer, everyone is excited to get out and enjoy the mountains or get to that soccer tournament early to explore. But you may not be going anywhere if your vehicle isn’t prepared.”
This is especially true for “lot rots”—vehicles that sit outside for extended periods of time without being driven. “You can’t expect to attach a lot rot to your camper and take off for your first summer outing. The tires may have rotted or you may have a family of rabbits that chewed through your wire compartment (now made of soy—an animal’s dream).”
Eric continues, “So leave your vehicle maintenance worries to us—you have enough stress trying to remember enough hamburger buns and dog food for your outing or getting your child to the game on time with their shin guards. Leave your vehicle to us, so you can focus on the good times.”
Eric’s tips for a stress-free summer....
EXPLORING
Pre-trip inspection recommendations for vehicles that will be towing or on remote or rugged roads in summer (lot rot vehicles included):
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Inspect tires and wheels
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Inspect belts and hoses
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Check all your fluids – the engine, coolant, oil and rear differential (for pickups to tow). Eric calls this the “drive-line service”
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Brakes and rotors
AROUND TOWN
Inspection recommendations for vehicles around town, getting you to work, soccer games, etc.:
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Oil change
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General inspection (belts, tires, hoses and brakes)
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General maintenance
Eric adds some helpful tips before you have your vehicle serviced. “If possible, please run your car through the wash before you bring it in.” He adds, “And clean off any spaces that we might need to access, like in the back of your vehicle. We’d rather not rummage through your belongings looking for a wheel lock, and we’re sure you’d agree,” he laughs.
THE INSIDE
What can you do to take care of your vehicle’s insides? They can take a beating with sun, heat, sand, wet towels, firewood, forgotten food and smelly soccer socks:
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Wash your car every 1-2 weeks (Yes! This helps the inside!)
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Add an air freshener to combat summer smells
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Cleaning your cabin air filter, given that mold spores, dust and pollution collect in the filter
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Cleaning your air ducts (which is often done when you have the air filter cleaned) to optimize your HVAC’s system, increasing its efficiency and air flow
And his #1 tip? “Get rid of your carpet floor mats and get ones made with thermoplastic, like WeatherTech. They’ll protect your car much better than carpet.” He adds, “And clean them every time you wash your car.”
Now that you know to include a pre-trip inspection before you head out this summer, have fun exploring!