It’s almost road trip season in Canada. Whether you’re planning a trip through BC’s Gulf Islands or cruising through the plains of Manitoba, you’ll need to have your vehicle in top working condition. Co-op’s here to make it easy for you to get your car road trip worthy.

1. Car Wash

UV Rays, mud, and bugs are all things to plan for in the spring and summer months. You can protect your car and increase its market value with Co-op’s Extreme, Premium or Regular Wash. 

2. Fluid Levels

After your car is clean, open up the hood and check your fluid levels. You’ll want to make sure your oil has been changed every 5,000 kilometres but you need to check the condition and level of it before you leave. If it’s black or gritty, get it checked out right away.

Besides your oil, make sure to check your windshield washer fluid, radiator fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. If you’re not comfortable checking your levels on your own, a Co-op gas bar attendant can help you out at participating Co-ops.

3. Tires

Underinflated tires waste gas! To get the best mileage on your trip, make sure you check your tire pressure every 1,500 kilometres. The maximum PSI for your tires will be printed on their side, but you can find the optimum PSI on the inside of your driver’s side door. Often, this number will be between 30 and 35 PSI. Because of how air temperature affects pressure, the best time to fill your tires up is when they’re cold. So, in the summer, you’ll want to fill them up in the morning before the temperature rises. And, we make it easy with most Co-op Gas Bars offering free air.

4. Brakes

When your brake pads are starting to wear away, you’ll know. Often, it’s accompanied by a screeching noise that is very difficult to ignore.

5. Premium Fuel

CO-OP^® Premium Gasoline and CO-OP^® Premium Diesel products are both made at the Co-op Refinery Complex in Regina, Saskatchewan, and are all certified TOP TIER™. Top Tier is a trademarked name for fuel that meets and often exceeds certain enhanced industry standards. The premium products will maximize power output and improve your fuel economy. Another surprising advantage of Top Tier fuel is its ability to get rid of pre-existing deposits in your engine. It can actually help rid your car of damage done from other, less premium gasoline or diesel.

On your trip, you’ll never want your fuel levels to dip below a quarter of a tank to protect your fuel pump, your fuel filter, and to make sure you’re not stranded. You can map out your trip using the Co-op App for our Gas Bar locations to make sure you’re never in danger of running out of gas. And, with many of our Gas Bars being full service, you don’t even have to get out of your car.

6. Plan Where to Go

Now that your car’s road trip ready you’ll have to map out your route, grab some snacks, and plan a playlist. Wherever you are in Western Canada, there’s a local Co-op nearby.