PLANNING A TRIP
A vacation is the time of year when all of your cares are tossed to the wind and your main worry is trying not to forget the sunscreen. This certainly is not the time for your vehicle to break down. If you are going to drive your vehicle to your selected destination, there's some basic vehicle maintenance you will need to review before you set out on the road. Here’s a basic checklist for you to print and review before you head out of town.
Fluids: Check all of the fluid levels and top off as needed. If close to the scheduled time for your engine oil change it’s better to get it done now than to vacation on old oil.
- Engine Oil
- Coolant
- Transmission Fluid
- Brake Fluid
- Power Steering Fluid
- Washer Fluid
Belts & Hoses: Your belts and hoses are made of rubber and will, in time, crack or leak due to the heat under the hood of your vehicle. Be sure to check your hoses for leaks and your belts for cracks and the correct tension. These parts will usually give you visual warning before failure, so look closely before you leave on a long trip.
A/C System: If this is a summer trip, you will want to make sure the A/C system is cooling properly.
Windshield Wipers: The last thing you want to happen is to be driving through a strange city and not be able to see through your windshield. If it has been more than 6 months since you last changed your wiper blades, be sure and inspect them. Don't forget to make sure the washer system is full and operating properly.
Tires: This is where the rubber meets the road - literally! Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the specifications recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If there are any signs of uneven tread wear, this would be a good time to go ahead and have the tires rotated or replaced. We also recommend having the wheel alignment checked. Don’t forget to check the spare!
- Tires
- Spare Tire
- Wheel Alignment