The Owner's Pre-Road Trip Checklist: 5 Things to Check on Your Kia Before You Go

Planning a summer road trip from Bolton brings excitement and anticipation, but a few simple vehicle checks can prevent unexpected problems during your travels. Your Kia includes reliable engineering designed for extended highway driving, yet basic maintenance verification ensures optimal performance throughout your journey. Taking 15 minutes to complete these checks provides peace of mind and helps avoid roadside delays when you should be enjoying your destination.

These preventive steps require no special tools or mechanical expertise. Most tasks involve visual inspection or simple measurements that any driver can perform. Professional inspection remains valuable for comprehensive assessment, but these basic checks identify obvious issues before departure.

Check Tire Pressure and Condition

Proper tire pressure maintains optimal fuel economy and prevents premature wear during long highway drives. Check pressure when tires are cool, preferably before driving or after the vehicle has been parked for several hours. Use the pressure specifications listed on the driver's side door jamb sticker, as these numbers reflect the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations for your specific model.

Inspect tire tread depth using the quarter test: insert a quarter into the tread groove with the caribou's nose pointing downward. If you can see the entire nose, tread depth has reached replacement level. Adequate tread depth provides essential traction during unexpected rain showers common during summer travel.

Tire Inspection Points:

• Check pressure on all four tires plus spare
• Look for sidewall cracks, bulges, or embedded objects
• Verify even wear patterns across the tread surface
• Ensure valve caps are present and tight
• Confirm spare tire pressure matches specification

Uneven wear patterns may indicate alignment issues or suspension problems that could worsen during extended highway driving. If you notice irregular wear, schedule inspection before departure to prevent potential tire failure during your trip.

Verify Fluid Levels and Condition

Engine oil provides lubrication and cooling during continuous highway operation. Check oil level using the dipstick when the engine is cool and the vehicle is parked on level ground. Oil level should register between the minimum and maximum marks, with optimal level near the maximum mark for extended driving.

Examine oil color and consistency on the dipstick. Fresh oil appears amber or black and flows smoothly. Oil that appears thick, gritty, or contains metal particles requires immediate replacement before travel. If oil change is due within 1,000 kilometres of your planned trip distance, complete the service before departure.

Coolant level verification prevents overheating during summer driving conditions. Check the coolant reservoir when the engine is completely cool, never when hot. Coolant level should register between minimum and maximum marks on the translucent reservoir tank.

Windshield washer fluid becomes essential during highway driving when insects and road debris accumulate on the windshield. Fill the reservoir completely and verify proper operation of both front and rear washers if equipped.

Test Battery Performance and Connections

Summer heat stresses battery components and accelerates fluid evaporation in conventional batteries. Clean battery terminals using a wire brush to remove corrosion that impedes electrical flow. Apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly to terminals after cleaning to prevent future corrosion buildup.

Test battery voltage using a digital multimeter if available. A healthy battery should read 12.6 volts or higher with the engine off. If voltage reads below 12.4 volts, consider professional testing to verify battery condition before extended travel.

Check battery hold-down bracket tightness and cable connection security. Loose connections create resistance that reduces charging efficiency and can cause starting problems. Ensure both positive and negative cables connect firmly to their respective terminals.

If your battery is more than three years old, consider professional load testing before departure. Battery failure during travel creates unnecessary stress and potential safety concerns, particularly in remote areas with limited services.

Inspect Belts and Hoses

Engine belts drive critical systems including the alternator, power steering, and air conditioning compressor. Inspect belts for fraying, cracking, or glazing that indicates wear. Press firmly on the belt's longest span; properly tensioned belts should deflect approximately 12mm under moderate pressure.

Examine cooling system hoses for swelling, soft spots, or visible cracks. Hoses that feel spongy or show white residue around connections may fail during high-temperature operation. Pay particular attention to hoses near the radiator and engine block where heat exposure is highest.

Check air conditioning operation if your trip includes hot weather driving. Turn the system to maximum cooling and verify cold air production. Weak cooling performance may indicate low refrigerant levels or system problems that worsen during continuous operation.

Power steering fluid level verification ensures proper operation during parking maneuvers at destinations. Check fluid level on the reservoir dipstick when the engine is cool. Low fluid levels may indicate leaks that could lead to complete power steering failure.

Evaluate Safety Equipment and Documentation

Verify that all exterior lights function properly, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Have someone assist with checking brake lights and turn signals, or use reflective surfaces to observe operation. Replace any burned-out bulbs before departure.

Test windshield wipers on all speed settings and verify proper operation of the washer system. Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly during travel, making effective windshield clearing essential for visibility and safety.

Essential Documentation Checklist:

• Driver's licence and vehicle registration
• Current insurance documentation
• Emergency contact information
• Roadside assistance membership cards
• Vehicle owner's manual
• Emergency kit with basic tools

Update your emergency kit with items specific to summer travel, including extra water, non-perishable snacks, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit. Include jumper cables, emergency flares, and a flashlight with fresh batteries.

Professional Multi-Point Inspection Benefits

While these owner-performed checks identify obvious problems, professional inspection provides comprehensive system evaluation. Trained technicians examine components that require specialized tools or expertise to assess properly, including brake system condition, suspension components, and complex engine systems.

Schedule professional inspection several weeks before departure to allow time for any necessary repairs. Last-minute discoveries of major problems can disrupt travel plans and force rushed repair decisions.

Professional inspection includes road testing that evaluates vehicle performance under various operating conditions. This testing identifies intermittent problems that may not appear during stationary inspection but could develop into serious issues during extended highway driving.

Secure your peace of mind with a comprehensive pre-trip inspection at Bolton Kia, where our certified technicians ensure your vehicle is ready for summer adventures.

To learn more about Kia SUVs like the 2025 Kia Telluride, visit Kia.ca