Few things can ruin a road trip faster than a sudden engine failure, dead battery, or flat tire. Luckily, a quick inspection of the vehicle before you start driving can help you avoid many of these issues. Read on to review some important car maintenance tips before you embark on your next adventure.
Power Steering, Coolant, Oil and Brake Fluid
Be sure to check the levels of all your vehicle’s fluids before departing on a long road trip. In addition to checking vital fluids like coolant, transmission, brake fluid, and oil, you may also want to make sure your windshield wiper fluid reservoir is full as well. If you notice any leaks after refilling your car’s fluids, it’s probably best to have the vehicle professionally inspected before travel.
Check the Battery and its Terminals
Pop the hood to visually inspect the battery, its terminals, and the cables that provide power to the starter. If you have a voltmeter, verify that the battery produces around 14 volts when idle. It’s also a good idea to brush away any acid buildup on the terminals that could interfere with the connectivity of the battery.
Inspect the Condition of the Tires
Depending on the length of your road trip, it may be necessary to buy new tires, especially if it’s been several years since you’ve had them replaced. Look for signs of wear on your tires like cracking or eroded tread that may merit buying a new set. Don’t forget to have a new, inflated spare tire in the trunk. In addition, make sure you have the tools needed to switch out flat tires, including a jack and a tire iron.
Investigate Any Check Engine Lights
It’s never a good idea to ignore warning lights on the dashboard, especially if you’re planning a long road trip that will put considerable strain on the vehicle. Have a trusted mechanic run a diagnostic on your car’s computer to determine if the check engine lights point to anything particularly concerning. In some cases, check engine lights are simply old errors on the computer that simply need to be erased by an experienced technician.
Heating and AC
If you plan to encounter especially hot or cold weather on your road trip, you’ll want to verify that your vehicle’s heating and air conditioning system is working properly. Fixing a faulty AC may require you to refill the Freon, but in older vehicles, it’s not unusual for some air conditioner components to break down.
Car Maintenance Available at Our Henderson Dealerships
If you’re planning a road trip soon and want to ensure your vehicle is in top working order, visit Valley Automall today for expert car maintenance advice. We offer numerous parts specials on many of today’s top vehicles, allowing you to quickly find the OEM replacement components you need at an affordable price. For more extensive auto work, we also provide many service specials. Contact your preferred Valley Automall dealership’s service/parts department to get started today!