How to Prepare Your Vehicle for an Iowa Summer Road Trip

Summer Car Maintenance Tips from Cassill Motors in Cedar Rapids Iowa.

Summer in Iowa means road trips, weekend lake days, and time on the open road with the family. Whether you’re headed to the Amana Colonies, Lake Macbride, or exploring out-of-state destinations, your vehicle needs to be road-trip ready. At Cassill Motors, we’re here to help you prepare with our Iowa road trip checklist and expert car service right here in Cedar Rapids.

Before you pack the snacks and plug in your playlist, check these off:

• Get Your Brakes Inspected

Long drives and unpredictable summer storms call for responsive brakes. If you hear squeaking or feel vibrations, it’s time for a checkup.

Pro Tip: We recommend a brake inspection at least once a year—or right before a road trip.

• Test Your A/C System

Nothing kills a road trip vibe like warm air on a 90-degree day. Make sure your air conditioning is blowing cold and strong.

We’ll check for:

• Refrigerant levels
• Cabin air filter condition
• Proper airflow and cooling performance
• Check Your Tires

Hot pavement wears tires down faster. Check for:

• Adequate tread depth
• Even wear
• Proper inflation (including your spare!)
• Not sure? Stop by for a free pressure check.
• Inspect Your Battery

Iowa heat can shorten battery life. If your battery is 3+ years old, have us test its performance so you don’t get stranded.

• Top Off Fluids

From engine oil to coolant, summer heat puts stress on your engine. We’ll make sure your vehicle is topped off and ready to cruise.

Summer Car Service in Cedar Rapids: Why Local Matters

At Cassill Motors, we’re a family-owned dealership serving Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, and Iowa City. Our team knows the Midwest climate and what your vehicle needs for summer performance. We offer:

• Maintenance appointments
• Complimentary multi-point inspections
• A/C recharges and brake specials
• Convenient location off 16th Ave SW

Summer Road Trip FAQs for Iowa Drivers

Q: Should I get my brakes checked before a road trip?

A: Yes. Even if your brakes feel “fine,” they should be inspected before any long-distance travel. We check brake pad wear, fluid levels, and rotor condition so you can drive confidently.

Q: How do I know if my A/C is summer ready?

A: If it takes a while to cool down, blows weak, or makes odd noises, it’s time for a check. We can test the system and recharge it if needed—usually in under an hour.

Q: What should I keep in my car for an Iowa road trip?

A: Essentials include a spare tire, jumper cables, water, first-aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, and a paper map (just in case GPS fails in rural areas).

Schedule Your Summer Service at Cassill Motors

Before you head out on your next Iowa adventure, let Cassill’s service team help you get road-trip ready. We’re located at 2939 16th Ave SW in Cedar Rapids, just a few minutes off I-380.

Call to book: (319) 396-2698

Or schedule online at cassillmotors.com

Cassill Motors — Your trusted local dealership for reliable vehicles, expert service, and road trip peace of mind.