With the holidays near, many of you will be hitting the roads to see friends and family. If a road trip is on your agenda soon, keep reading to learn of ways to prepare your vehicle for the journey. There are a few maintenance items that you should take care of before your leave,
You might not be able to stop the traffic or prevent a flat tire, but checking your vehicle’s fluids and important systems before you head out on the road will minimize the chances of a major breakdown. Here is what you should check:
Battery
Make sure your battery connections are tightened, tucked, and corrosion-free. It would help if you took it one step further to test your battery’s charge. This can be done with a multimeter. If you don’t have this tool, please stop by our auto repair shop for a test. Car batteries tend to weaken after a couple of years and last no longer than 5 years.
Belts and Hoses
Belts and hoses keep your car’s electrical, power steering, cooling systems, engine, and other systems operative. The timing belt and serpentine belt should be fastened and not too loose. These belts may require a replacement if it shows signs of wear, like cracks and tears. Finally, the hoses carrying your car fluids should be leak-free.
Fluids
Many fluids run throughout your automobile, including engine oil, coolant, power steering, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and more. It would be best to top them off before hitting the roads for the holidays. If your vehicle is nearing your next oil change service, we recommend getting it done before vacation.
Tires
Make sure your tires are properly filled with air. Tire pressure has a major impact on your vehicle’s fuel economy. When your tires are at the right pressure, they are ensured to wear evenly. Don’t forget to check the pressure on the spare tire too.
We want you to enjoy your holidays by spending quality time with your loved ones. If you need assistance inspecting your vehicle before your road trip, please stop by our auto repair shop soon!