Dylan Citron

A man putting luggage into the trunk of his car.

How To Prepare for a Road Trip

A man putting luggage into the trunk of his car.

How To Prepare for a Road Trip

Road trips can be one of the most exciting and memorable experiences in your life. But before hitting the road, it’s important to ensure that your car is in good shape and ready to handle the journey ahead. Here are some things to remember as you prepare your car for a road trip:

A man checking the tire pressure of a tire on his car.Inspect Your Car

Whether you inspect your car yourself or bring it to a professional, it’s a good task to check off your list first. Pay special attention to your brakes, tires, and battery. The brakes are one of the most critical safety features of your car, and it’s important to ensure that they’re working correctly before embarking on a road trip. If you hear any unusual sounds or notice any issues with your brakes, schedule a visit to a mechanic.

Likewise, tires are one of the most crucial parts of your car. Check the tire pressure, tread depth, and overall condition of all the tires, including the spare. Make sure to inflate the tires to the recommended pressure and replace any worn-out tires. In addition, make sure your car’s battery is in good condition, as you don’t want to find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery.

Don’t forget to take the time to wash your car! A clean car not only looks better, but it can also help you identify any potential issues that may have gone unnoticed previously. Remove any clutter, vacuum the floors and seats, and clean the windows to make sure you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check the Fluids

It’s essential to ensure that all the fluids are at their appropriate levels and that there are no leaks. Before hitting the road, make sure to check all the fluids in your car. These include transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid and, of course, oil. Road trips can be tough on the engine, and fresh oil can help keep it running smoothly. If you’re due for an oil change, schedule it before your trip, or if it’s too soon for a full oil change, at least top up the oil to the recommended level.

A young couple on a road trip, with the girl looking at a paper map.Plan and Prepare

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially on a road trip. Remember to bring all the necessary documents for your car, such as your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Additionally, packing an emergency kit can help you prepare for unexpected situations. Include items like a first aid kit, a flashlight, blankets, jumper cables, and a tire repair kit.

Planning your route before you hit the road can also help you avoid getting lost and save you time. It’s a good idea to have a backup route in case of unexpected road closures or detours. Don’t forget to bring a physical map or print out directions in case you lose service or your GPS fails.

When it Doubt, Get a Tune-Up

If you’re unsure about the condition of your car or haven’t had a tune-up in a while, schedule an appointment with a mechanic. A professional can help identify any potential issues and ensure that your car is in top shape for your road trip.

In conclusion, preparing your car for a road trip is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your car is ready to handle the miles ahead. Safe travels!

How To Prepare for a Road Trip Read More »

A father with his daughters and dog sitting in an open car trunk outdoors.

The Top Spring Car Maintenance Tips

A father with his daughters and dog sitting in an open car trunk outdoors.

The Top Spring Car Maintenance Tips

Spring is almost here, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to get your car in top shape for the warm months ahead. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely, and there are a few key things you should do to prepare your car as we get ready to say goodbye to winter. Here are our top spring car maintenance tips.

A man is inflating one of the tires on his car.Check your tires: Cold weather can be tough on tires, so make sure they are properly inflated and have enough tread left. Consider getting a tire rotation to ensure even wear and extend the life of your tires.

Change your oil: Regular oil changes are crucial to keeping your engine running smoothly. Many experts recommend getting your oil changed every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first.

Inspect your brakes: Brakes are one of the most important safety features on your car, so it’s important to make sure they are in good working condition. Have your brake pads and rotors checked to ensure they are not worn down and need replacing.

A young girl helping to wash a car outside.

Check your battery: Cold temperatures can be tough on car batteries, so it’s a good idea to have it checked in the spring. Make sure the battery terminals are clean, and if your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it.

Clean your car: Spring is the perfect time to give your car a good cleaning. Not only will it look better, but it will also help protect the paint and prevent rust and corrosion.

By following these simple maintenance tips, you can help ensure your car is ready for the road this spring. It’s important to remember that regular maintenance will save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs.

The Top Spring Car Maintenance Tips Read More »

GrooveCar Direct Welcomes 5 New Credit Union Partners in Q3 2022

GrooveCar Direct Welcomes 5 New Credit Union Partners in Q3 2022

GrooveCar Direct, the nation’s leading auto shopping program for credit unions, is proud to welcome five new partners in Q3 2022:

  • Fasson Employees FCU, based in Painesville, OH, with assets of $16 million, serving 1,375 members
  • Port Conneaut FCU, based in Conneaut, OH, with assets of $34 million, serving 4,114 members
  • Redbrand CU, based in Bartonville, IL, with assets of $78 million, serving 7,413 members
  • St. Anthony of Padua FCU, based in Fall River, MA, with assets of $33 million, serving 1,633 members
  • Unison CU, based in Kaukauna, WI, with assets of $297 million, serving 18,760 members

GrooveCar Direct empowers credit unions to easily reach and engage their auto shopping members, driving auto loan growth through a digital platform that is easy to implement and completely scalable. Members can browse local dealer inventory, research vehicles within their budget, and apply for credit union financing—all from the comfort and safety of their homes.

Interested in learning more? Click here to schedule a demo with one of our representatives.    

GrooveCar Direct Welcomes 5 New Credit Union Partners in Q3 2022 Read More »

GrooveCar Direct Welcomes 3 New Credit Union Partners in Q2 2022

GrooveCar Direct Welcomes 3 New Credit Union Partners in Q2 2022

GrooveCar Direct, the nation’s leading auto shopping program for credit unions, is proud to welcome three new partners in Q2 2022:

  • Access CU, based in Bristol, PA, with assets of $57 million, serving 4,602 members
  • InRoads CU, based in Saint Helens, OR, with assets of $351 million, serving 17,355 members
  • Toro Employees FCU, based in Bloomington, MN, with assets of $39 million, serving 3,176 members

GrooveCar Direct enables credit unions to easily engage their auto shopping members and drive auto loan growth through a customizable platform that is easy to implement and completely scalable. Members can browse local dealer inventory, research vehicles within their budget, and apply for credit union financing—all from the comfort and safety of their homes.

Interested in learning more? Click here to schedule a demo with one of our representatives.    

GrooveCar Direct Welcomes 3 New Credit Union Partners in Q2 2022 Read More »

GrooveCar Direct Announces 2 New Credit Union Partnerships in Q1 2022

GrooveCar Direct Announces 2 New Credit Union Partnerships in Q1 2022

GrooveCar Direct, the nation’s leading auto shopping program for credit unions, is proud to announce two new partnerships in Q1 2022:

  • Friendly FCU, based in Aliquippa, PA, with assets of $71 million, serving 4,859 members
  • Members Advantage CU, based in Michigan City, IN, with assets of $129 million, serving 8,481 members

GrooveCar Direct enables credit unions to easily engage their auto shopping members and drive auto loan growth through a customizable platform that is easy to implement and completely scalable. Members can browse local dealer inventory, research vehicles within their budget, and apply for credit union financing—all from the comfort and safety of their homes.

Interested in learning more? Click here to schedule a demo with one of our representatives.    

GrooveCar Direct Announces 2 New Credit Union Partnerships in Q1 2022 Read More »