Get Your Car Ready For Its Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Safety List for Road Trips

Okay, you’re ready to look over your automobile with a fine-tooth comb, but where do you start? Your road trip checklist should focus on 3 primary sections: Fluids, Wheels/Tires, and Maintenance. While not an extensive list, if you thoroughly check these areas your chances of an uninterrupted road trip increases.

Fluids

• Motor Oil – You’ll want to make sure that the engine oil has been changed recently.
• Transmission Fluid – Make sure to consult your owner’s manual to see how often it should be changed. If it’s past due, you’ll want to change it.
• Radiator fluid – Make certain that your antifreeze is completely full for optimal efficiency, and take a look at your owner’s manual to see if it should be changed.
• Brake Fluid – Having the ability to stop effectively can be the difference between a collision or avoiding one. If you are not sure, have it inspected.
• Wiper Fluid – If you’re likely to be putting in some seat time you’re most likely to hit some insects or other road debris. Ensure your windshield wiper fluid is full to get the gunk off the windshield. Wiper fluid is ineffective without great wipers, so change your wipers while you’re there.

Check Your Tires

• Tire Tread – Ensure there are no bald spots and that you have plenty of tread left. Double-check for any punctures or cuts that could require attention. If they can not be repaired, change them.
• Air Pressure – See to it that your tires are pumped up to the right pressure and that it’s equal in each tire.
• Rotation – Make sure that your tires do not need to be rotated. Tires that aren’t balanced/rotated properly can wear unevenly and produce a frustrating vibration.
• Spare Tire – Whatever you check on your primary tires, do it for your spare tire as well.

General Service Issues

• Light Bulbs – Burned out headlights and taillamps can be a safety hazard, so make certain they work as intended. While you are at it, check your turn signal lights and parking lights. You can also update to LED light bulbs for brighter light and reduced power consumption.
• Air Filter – If you’re like the majority of us, your air filter needed replacing years ago. It’s simple to do, isn’t really pricey, and can help with better gas mileage.
• Belts and Hoses – If you aren’t a shade-tree mechanic, this could be a little daunting however it can actually be quite simple. First thing is to try to find splits in the hoses, after that press the hoses to see if they feel weak. Hoses need to feel really rubbery, and if they feel really weak or have cracks you must replace them. Try to find leaks on your hoses, specifically where they link to other components. Lastly, checks the belts to make certain they aren’t loosely attached or have missing notches. A broken belt and/or hose can rapidly destroy your trip and your engine.
• Battery – Look to make certain the battery terminals are not worn and that the positive and negative terminals are tight. If your car starts slowly you may need a new battery.
• Brakes – Being able to stop your car effectively is key in preventing collisions. Changing your brake fluid, changing the brake pads, and even getting new rotors could be required to have a safe and secure car for your road trip.

Before the Road Trip, Test Drive Your Car

You know your car far better than anyone. Take it out for a quick spin to see if something feels off. This isn’t for fun so shut off the radio and concentrate. Does your vehicle pull to one side under heavy braking? Does your AC blow cold? If something feels off, you should absolutely have a specialist take a look at it.

Schedule Auto Road Trip Maintenance Today

Schedule your car road trip maintenance service at Gallatin Honda. We are your source for all maintenance needs in the Nashville, Tennessee area. Book an appointment by phone, in-person, or online today. Our certified mechanics are on hand to serve you!