If you live in Marin County, you’re surrounded by some of the most iconic driving roads in all of California. Highway 1 hugging the coast. The climb up to the East Peak of Mount Tam. The winding two-lane stretches through Point Reyes National Seashore. These roads are incredible — and they’re also demanding on your vehicle.
May is when everyone starts actually using these roads again. Here’s how to make sure your car can handle them.
Brakes Are Non-Negotiable on Hilly Roads
Let’s start with the most important one. Marin’s roads are not flat. Between the switchbacks on Panoramic Highway, the steep descents around Muir Woods, and the rolling terrain around Nicasio Reservoir, your brakes take a beating on a single weekend drive.
If your pads are thin or your rotors are warped, you’ll feel it — and more importantly, you might not be able to stop when you need to. Get your brakes inspected before you head up into the hills.
Suspension Check for Twisty Roads
Handling matters a lot more on mountain roads than it does on a freeway. Worn shocks or struts mean less control in corners, more body roll, and a less predictable feel behind the wheel. If your Subaru Outback or Mazda CX-5 has been feeling a little sloppy in the turns, that’s worth investigating before you start taking on the more serious roads.
Coolant and Overheating: A Real Risk on Hills
Climbing steep grades puts a huge load on your engine and your cooling system. If your coolant level is low or your system isn’t working efficiently, you’re at risk of overheating — especially in stop-and-go traffic or when climbing slowly up a steep grade. We’ve seen plenty of cars pulled over on Panoramic Highway with steam coming out from under the hood. Don’t be that car.
Tire Condition for Variable Terrain
Coastal roads and mountain roads have different surfaces, different temperatures, and different levels of grip. Bald or worn tires that seem fine on the freeway can get scary on a wet coastal stretch of Highway 1. Check your tread depth and tire condition before heading out on any of Marin’s bigger drives.
Don’t Forget Your Gas Tank
This sounds obvious, but gas stations are sparse once you get off 101 and head into the backcountry. Point Reyes Station is about the last option before you’re really out there. Fill up in San Rafael before heading west or north.
Enjoy What’s Right Outside Your Door
One of the best things about living in Marin County is that world-class driving roads are literally minutes from home. But they demand a car that’s up to the task. At Easy Automotive, we’ve been maintaining and repairing Japanese vehicles in San Rafael for over 30 years. We know what it takes to keep your car safe on the roads around here.
Stop in, get squared away, and then go enjoy the best roads in California. You’ve earned it.