Your Guide to Getting Your Vehicle Road-Trip Ready!
There’s nothing quite like the open road. You’ve got your snacks, a nice cool beverage, and your playlist— you’re all ready to go! Not so fast! Did you have your vehicle inspected? The last thing you want is to be left stranded on the side of the road and having to call a tow-truck. Before you make your way out of town, be sure to have your car or truck professionally inspected.
Here’s every aspect of your vehicle that needs to be examined before a road trip:
- Oil. When’s the last time you had your oil changed? A rule of thumb is to have it changed every three months or every 3,000 miles, depending on which comes first. If you can’t remember having your oil changed, it’s best to have it professionally inspected.
- Antifreeze a.k.a. Coolant. Your vehicle’s antifreeze is important for many reasons. For one, it’s what keeps it cool! Without it, you risk the possibility of your engine overheating. You might notice an issue or that your vehicle is lacking antifreeze when you run your engine and pop the hood up. If you smell something sweet, you are likely smelling the ethylene glycol. This chemical is dangerous, deadly even! Make sure to take it in for an inspection.
- Battery. Even if your vehicle has been running smoothly for months, it’s best to have your battery inspected. You can save yourself time and money by having a new battery installed as opposed to having to pay for a tow-truck, road-side assistance, maintenance at an unknown body shop, and a new battery!
- Gas. While you’re out on the road, make sure to keep checking your gas tank. You don’t want it to go lower than the half-full mark. Keeping it passed the half-mark will prevent any condensation from forming.
- Air Filter. A clogged air filter will prevent air from coming into the vehicle. If you’re driving to a cold destination, this could be extremely dangerous. You need this air system to defrost your windows.
- Brakes. During any maintenance check, you can ask the mechanic to check your brakes. This will include inspecting the master cylinder, wheel cylinder, calipers, and brake fluids. Remember, even if your brakes aren’t squeaking, it’s best to have them inspected!
- Windshield Wipers. Even if where you’re traveling to is showing a forecast of sunny, clear skies, don’t take the risk of driving without working windshield wipers. In addition to the possibility of rain, you can use your wiper to clear off any bugs or debris that could obstruct your view.
- Tires. Your tires are everything! You don’t want to risk driving without a good set of tires, especially if your commute is long distance. And if your destination is slippery or icy, you definitely need a set of winter tires.
- Lights. Are your brake lights working? What about your turn signals? Reverse lights? Headlights? A week before your trip, test out all of your vehicle’s lights during the evening. Have someone stand outside and watch the lights as you turn them off and on. Even if it’s one broken headlight, it’s critical to have it replaced as soon as possible.
Have Your Vehicle Serviced at Sergio Lewis Body Shop
Whatever you do, don’t leave town without having your vehicle inspected! Even the slightest repair can have a dramatic difference on your trip and wallet. Contact us today if you have any questions regarding service on your car or truck. We also repair RVs!
