As the summer road trip season approaches, it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle is in top shape. Whether you’re a family planning a cross-country vacation or a college student gearing up for a long drive home, taking your car for a maintenance check is a smart move before hitting the road. Remember, you should make your appointment a few weeks ahead of your trip to allow for any time needed for maintenance — don’t wait until the day before you set out!
Common pre-road-trip maintenance checks typically include:
Breaks
Are you ignoring the squeak of your breaks, or know it’s been a while since you’ve had new ones installed? Have a professional take a look. Maintaining your breaks is always important, not just before long trips. Your braking system is essential to keeping you and your passengers safe during any drive.
Steering and Suspension
There are a few signs that your vehicle might have steering and suspension issues. If you’ve had difficulty steering, noticed the vehicle is pulling to one side, or your car is bouncing more often than usual, those problems need to be addressed. Steering and suspension issues can present in various ways, so talking to a professional will make sure your bases are covered.
Tires and Alignment
You should be aware of your tire tread and pressure, but if you think something needs to be addressed, take your vehicle in for a check. Your service center can also tell you if your car needs an alignment. If not fixed, driving a misaligned car can impact the life of your tires and fuel efficiency.
Battery
Car batteries have a lifespan of around three years. Double-check the integrity of your battery before heading out. Of course, if you’ve noticed issues, it’s important to have the battery looked at for corrosion or leaks.
Fluids
When you think of changing the fluid in your car, it’s probably engine oil (which you should monitor and maintain), but several other fluids, such as coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and more, need to be checked.
Your maintenance professional will check many of these things in a routine visit, but it’s still important to communicate any issues you notice up top. Safe travels!
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