Should I Have My Car Checked Before a Long Trip? Yes. The answer to whether you should have our mechanics check out your vehicle before you go on a long trip is "yes."
The next question is what should vehicle items should be inspected to ensure your safety on the road. Here is a brief list of some critical items:
Tires
You want to be safe, avoid blowouts and get good gas mileage. Have our mechanic inspect your tires and look for worn spots or damaged tires. Check the tire pressure as well.
Making sure all three are not an issue goes a long way to accomplish all three of the goals mentioned above.
Brakes
Worn brake pads can be a safety hazard. Our mechanic should inspect your brakes and make sure they look suitable for a longer trip. If there is any doubt, have the brakes replaced.
Fluids
Your fluids are the "lifeblood" of your vehicle. Make sure the following are checked:
- Oil
- Transmission
- Brake
- Coolant
- Windshield Wiper
If any are low or look dirty (or if you have hit the mileage point for an oil change,) have them replaced.
Battery
Having a battery die on a trip is miserable. Make sure it does not happen to you by having your battery tested. If it shows any signs of problems, replace it.
Lights and Wipers
Both can be overlooked because they are usually dependable. Discovering you have a light out or wipers that do not clear the windshield on the road is aggravating. It also can lead to you being pulled over by law enforcement or not being able to see the road clearly, respectively.
Air Conditioning
Yes, you can live with a malfunctioning air conditioner system. You and your family will also likely be miserable. There is nothing worse than a car full of cranky people unless it is a car full of hot, cranky people who blame you for the air conditioning not working.
The first is probably unavoidable. The second is not.
Save yourself and have our mechanic check out your air conditioner.
If you need a vehicle inspection before you take a road trip, we invite you to bring your vehicle to our auto repair shop today!