The Ultimate Road Trip Car Maintenance Checklist

Road Trip Safety Checklist

Ok, you're ready to give your car with a fine-tooth comb, but where do you begin? Your road trip checklist should concentrate on 3 primary areas: Fluids, Wheels and Tires, and Maintenance. While not an exhaustive list, if you thoroughly inspect these areas your possibility of a nonstop trip increases.

Fluids

• Motor Oil - As we mentioned above, you'll need to see to it that the oil has been recently changed.
• Transmission Fluid - Make certain to consult your owner's manual to see the intervals at which to have it replaced. If it's overdue, you'll want to change it.
• Radiator fluid - Make certain that your antifreeze is completely full for maximum efficiency and examine your owner's manual to see if it needs to be changed.
• Brake Fluid - Having the ability to stop successfully can be the difference between a collision or avoiding one. If you are unsure, have it examined
• Windshield Fluid - If you're likely to be putting in some seat time you're most likely to hit some bugs or various other road debris. Make sure your windshield wiper fluid container is full to get the gunk off. Wiper fluid is worthless without good wipers, so replace your wipers while you're there.

Tires & Treads

• Tread - Ensure there are no bald spots and that you have lots of tire tread left. Double-check for any kind of punctures that need to be taken care of. If they can not be fixed, replace them.
• Air Pressure - Make sure that your tires are inflated to the appropriate pressure and that they all have equal pressure in each tire.
• Rotation - Make certain that your tires don't need to be rotated. Tires that aren't balanced/rotated appropriately can wear unevenly and have a bothersome vibration.
• Spare Tire - Whatever you check on your main tires, do it for your extra tire as well.

General Service Issues

• Light Bulbs - Burned out headlights and taillights can be a safety risk, so see to it that they function normally. While you are at it, check your turn indicator lights and parking lights. You can also update to LED bulbs for brighter light and reduced power usage
• Air Filter - If you're like the majority of us, your air filter needed to be replaced years ago. It's simple to do, isn't very pricey, and can aid with better gas mileage.
• Belts and Hoses - If you aren't an auto technician, this might be a little challenging yet it can, in fact, be fairly easy. First thing is to look for cracks in the hoses, then squeeze the tubes to see if they feel brittle. Hoses must feel really rubbery, if they feel brittle or have splits you ought to replace them. Try to find leaks on your hoses, especially where they attach to other components. Finally, checks the belts to see to it that they aren't loosely affixed or have missing notches. A broken belt and/or hose can promptly wreck your road trip and your engine.
• Battery - See to it that the battery terminals are not rusted and that the positive and negative terminals are tightened. If your car starts slowly you might need to replace your battery.
• Brakes - Having the ability to stop your vehicle properly is key in staying clear of crashes. Flushing your brake fluid, replacing the brake pads, and obtaining new rotors might be needed to have a safe vehicle for your road trip.

Take It for a Test Drive

You understand your automobile better than any person. Take it out for a fast drive to see if something feels off. This isn't for fun so turn off the radio and concentrate. Does your car pull to one side when braking heavily? Does your A/C blow cold air? If something feels a little off, you should absolutely have a specialist take a look at it.

Schedule Your Vehicle Road Trip Maintenance Today

Schedule your car road trip maintenance service at Finnegan Chevy Buick GMC. We are your trusted source for all of your vehicle maintenance needs in the Rosenberg, TX area. Book an appointment by phone, online, or in-person today. Our certified technicians are ready to serve you and your car!