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Summer is here, and that means it’s road trip time. Whether you’re heading across the country or exploring local parks and attractions, a little planning can go a long way to making your next vacation a memorable one. From choosing the best route to completing a pre-road trip car inspection, check out our top tips for a summer of epic adventures.
1. Plan for long distances
Canada’s a BIG country, which means that even “nearby” destinations can be hours apart. When breaking up your journey, use tools like Google Maps or Destination Assist to estimate drive times realistically and plan out rest stops and overnight stays. Don’t try to pack too much into one day ‒ driving 6–8 hours at a time is plenty! Also, remember to fill your tank or charge your battery before entering more remote areas, where there can sometimes be hundreds of kilometres between gas or charging stations.
2. Embrace provincial parks and support local businesses
While national parks like Banff and Jasper are world-famous, provincial parks such as Algonquin, Grasslands and Fundy offer stunning views and fewer crowds. Research lesser-known routes like the Gaspé Peninsula or Kootenay region for authentic experiences. When it comes to the best places to eat, hike or shop, asking locals for recommendations is a great way to find hidden gems ‒ and make new friends.
3. Make sure all systems are a go
Before you head out, it’s worth taking a few minutes to ensure your vehicle is as road-ready as you are. Here’s a quick and easy summer road trip checklist you can run through yourself.
Brakes: Listen for anything unusual like squealing, grinding or clicking. Test the brake pads to make sure they feel good underfoot, and address any warning lights
Cabin Air Filters: Make sure that your A/C is running efficiently with no unusual odours, and that you’ve replaced your filters in the last year.
Tires: Check your tire tread by inserting a toonie into a tire groove, bear paws down. If you see the top half of the letters or more, your tire tread may be too low and it may be time for new tires.
Coolant: Ensure your radiator, hoses and coolant levels are good, to prevent overheating in summer traffic.
Battery/Gas: If you drive a battery electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid, don’t forget to charge your battery and for gas vehicles, ensure you top off your gas tank before taking off.
Get the green light from the experts
If you’re due for a check-up or notice any issues during your pre-road trip checklist, book an inspection with Toyota University Trained Technicians at your local Toyota Dealership. They’re specially trained to handle your vehicle service with the utmost care, and they only use Toyota Genuine Parts, should you need any repairs. They also keep an official record of all maintenance, inspections and repairs performed on your Toyota to help simplify future servicing.
4. Prepare to go off the grid
Remote stretches such as in northern Ontario or rural Quebec may lack reception in some areas, but with a little advanced planning, you can get by just fine. Try downloading offline maps, pre-planning stops for fuel or charging ahead of time, or even going old school by carrying a paper map as backup.
5. Don’t forget the tunes
Whether you’re winding through the Rockies or cruising through the Prairies, having the right soundtrack is a must for setting the mood. It can be especially fun to create a mix featuring hits from homegrown icons like The Tragically Hip, Barenaked Ladies, Arkells, Drake or Arcade Fire. Looking for a pre-made playlist? Head to Spotify, search Road Tripping with Toyota and let the good times rock and roll.
For more seasonal maintenance tips, stay connected with Toyota Canada by registering for email updates.
