Deep down, you know your car should be checked out before hitting the road for any holiday trip, but with so many other things left to do, some folks put it off. Bad idea, especially when owners realize that in as little as 10 minutes they can determine if their car is ready for long-distance travel. If you don’t have time to have Douglas Automotive Repair check your vehicle out before you leave, use this as a guide to do it yourself.
The 10-Minute Pre-Trip Checkup includes the following:
- Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
- Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
- Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for an alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
In a very short amount of time, motorists can identify how road-ready their vehicle is and then take steps to have the problems fixed before heading out for vacation. It’s a small sacrifice compared to the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down many miles away from home. Plus, if repairs or maintenance are needed, they can be done by a shop that knows you and your vehicle.
Douglas Automotive Repair also recommends that wipers and interior and exterior lighting on the vehicle be checked prior to a road trip, and that drivers re-stock their emergency kit. As a rule of thumb, wipers should be replaced every six months and lighting should be checked monthly.
To save on fuel costs during the trip, we suggest that motorists avoid aggressive driving, observe the speed limit and avoid excessive idling. Gas caps that are damaged, loose or missing should be replaced to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating.
Give us a call today to have your vehicle checked for your “road trip”!
This entry was posted in Vehicle Inspection and tagged Safety, vehicle inspection on .
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