Summer road trips are one of the great California traditions. Whether you’re pointing the car toward Yosemite, the coast, or the desert, a little preparation before you leave Van Nuys can mean the difference between a memorable adventure and a roadside headache.
Before you load up the cooler and queue the playlist, here are five service checks your Volvo needs before hitting the highway.
1. Brake Inspection
Brakes are non-negotiable. Mountain descents, sudden stops in traffic, and the general unpredictability of road trip driving put your braking system under real stress. If you’ve noticed any squealing, grinding, or a longer-than-usual stopping distance, it’s time for a brake inspection at Galpin Volvo before you go anywhere.
Even if everything feels normal, a pre-trip inspection is worthwhile. Brake pad wear can be deceptive — a pad that seems fine in city driving can degrade quickly under sustained highway use. Our Volvo-certified technicians in Van Nuys will measure pad thickness, inspect rotors, and check brake fluid condition.
2. Tire Check
Tires are your only contact with the road, and summer heat makes them work harder. High temperatures increase tire pressure, accelerate tread wear, and raise blowout risk — especially on older rubber. At our Volvo tire center, we’ll check tread depth, inspect for sidewall damage, set proper inflation for your planned route conditions, and rotate if you’re due.
If you need new tires before your trip, the Galpin Volvo tire store carries a full selection of approved fitments for every Volvo model.
3. Fluid Top-Offs and Oil Change
Engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid — none of these should be ignored before a long drive. If you’re within a few thousand miles of your next oil change interval, just do it now. A fresh oil change before a road trip is cheap insurance. Our factory scheduled maintenance service follows Volvo’s exact specifications to keep your powertrain protected.
4. AC and Climate System
California summer heat is not gentle. If your AC has been struggling to keep up — taking longer to cool down, running loudly, or blowing warm air — get it looked at before you’re stuck in 105-degree desert traffic with four passengers and a dog.
A climate system inspection takes less time than you’d expect, and the difference between a working AC and a broken one on a July road trip through the Inland Empire is very significant.
5. Battery and Electrical Check
Heat is the number-one killer of car batteries. If your Volvo’s battery is more than three years old, have it tested before you leave. A battery that’s marginal in normal conditions can fail under the thermal stress of a summer road trip — and getting stranded far from Van Nuys is nobody’s idea of a vacation.
This is especially relevant for plug-in hybrid owners, who should also confirm their 12V auxiliary battery is in good shape alongside the high-voltage pack.
Schedule Your Pre-Trip Service at Galpin Volvo
All five of these checks can be handled in a single service visit at Galpin Volvo in Van Nuys. Our Volvo-certified service team serves drivers throughout the San Fernando Valley, and appointments fill up quickly as summer approaches — so don’t wait. Schedule your service appointment online today and leave knowing your Volvo is genuinely ready for the road ahead.