There’s nothing quite like road tripping during the summer with the warm summer breeze and long dreamy days helping to recharge. Your bags are packed, your heart’s pumping, and you’re ready to get on with your adventure. But have you prepped your MINI before the big day? Don’t worry, we’ve got a simple checklist to make sure you and your MINI are road trip ready!

1. ARE YOUR TIRES READY?

You will want to make sure things are rolling smoothly in this department. Inspect all four tires, including the spare components in the trunk, for damages, wear, cuts, and bulges. Always remember to check the tread and tire pressure and follow the instructions on the inside of your MINI’s door jam. These tires are going to be putting on lots of kilometers during the trip, so you’ll want to resolve any problems before you leave.

2. HOW ARE THE BRAKES?

The first tell-tale signs of a brake problem are grinding, squealing, and shuddering while braking. However, a thorough brake inspection should be done to check for any leaks as well as the condition of your rotors and pads. Your MINI Service Specialist will be able to give you a comprehensive report on your MINI’s brakes.

3. CAN’T LEAVE WITHOUT JUICE: DID YOU CHECK YOUR BATTERY?

You can’t get far, or anywhere for the matter, without a healthy battery. Giving your MINI a quick check-up at your local dealership will help prevent problems as getting stranded during your trip is no fun at all.

4. MAKE SURE YOUR FLUIDS ARE TOPPED UP.

Coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid are important fluids that keep your MINI working at top shape. Prior to leaving for a big road trip, all fluids should be topped up. If you’re planning to do this by yourself, make sure you check the fluid specifications outlined in your MINI’s manual before starting. When in doubt, bring your MINI in and our factory-trained MINI Service Technicians will make sure everything’s taken care of.

5. BE READY FOR ANY WEATHER WITH GOOD WIPER BLADES. 

If your current wiper blades have seen better days, it’s better to change it to a new pair so you’ll be ready for any weather on the road with maximum visibility. You’ll also want to make sure you’ve topped up the windshield cleaner so everything stays crystal clear.
 

6. MAINTAINING YOUR COOL. 

Having a cooling system that is working is a must when going on a trip. We can all of course open the window and feel the breeze, but cruising on the highway at high speeds with the windows open continuously might be too much to handle if it’s for the entire trip. To check whether your MINI’s air conditioning system is in top shape, turn your air on full blast while you take a quick trip around the neighborhood. Bring your MINI in for a checkup if you experience any decrease in cooling capacity—MINI Richmond offers a comprehensive Air Conditioning Service, ask us about it! 

Plan your route, pack your bags, and let our MINI Service experts at MINI Richmond help prepare your car for the road trip with a quick inspection and service. Scheduling a service appointment is simple and easy and can be done through our link.