Must-do’s before your summer road trip

Must-do’s before your summer road trip.

Ah, the Canadian summer! So short and precious, a time to get out and see this beautiful country. Be prepared. Follow these important tips to help make your road trip a safe and enjoyable one.

Before you set off, check these 5 simple vehicle essentials:

1. Top up your windshield washer fluid.

2. Wipe your mirrors.

3. Review your vehicle inspection schedule. If your next visit falls soon after your trip, consider doing it before. If you’ve misplaced your service book and aren’t sure, contact your dealer.

4. Save on gas and preserve the life of your tires by inflating them to the correct level. You’ll find the prescribed air pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual.

5. Check your oil and coolant levels and top them up or replace them, if necessary. If your vehicle’s newish, you may not need a change.

Last, but certainly not least: Check what your auto insurance does and doesn’t cover.

Policies vary. Re-read yours closely to see what you’re not covered for. By law, all Canadian vehicles must have third-party liability coverage. So, you have coverage if you injure someone or their vehicle with your car.

But what about you and your vehicle? You may not legally need collision insurance but may still want it to have coverage for your investment. However, if you own your vehicle outright yet its estimated value is less than your deductible, collision insurance may not be worth it.

A 10-year study by Transport Canada reported that fatal and injury road collisions were highest in July and August. If you’re concerned about the many things that can go wrong on a road trip or close to home, consider comprehensive insurance coverage. It helps cover your ride from everything beyond collisions, like sudden heavy hailstorms or floods, theft, or vandalism.

Tips: Be sure to store a hard copy of your up-to-date insurance with emergency numbers in your glove compartment or some other handy place. And if you need help with understanding your policy, we’re here to help - contact us. We’ll be happy to walk you through your coverage.

General information not about PC® Insurance home and auto coverage is provided for your reference and interest only. The above content is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on matters of interest and is not a substitute for and should not be construed as the advice of an experienced professional. PC® Insurance does not guarantee the currency, accuracy, applicability or completeness of this content.