Going On A Road Trip?
Sunny skies and warm weather means that road trip season is officially here! For a lot of people, there is nothing better than taking a fun road trip with good friends or the family. In the excitement of making your travel plans however, it can be easy to neglect some of the basic car maintenance that is necessary if you want to avoid an inconvenient breakdown while driving down the highway.
To help get you and your car ready for some long trips this summer, take a look at these maintenance tips:
Get a Check-up
The springtime is the perfect time to bring your car into the shop. Not only do the winter months tend to take a toll on a car, especially if it’s an older model, it’s a good idea to take care of any scheduled maintenance for your car before going away on a long road trip. Road trips are fun and exciting, but can also get stressful at times. The peace of mind that comes with quick maintenance check on your car will definitely help keep that stress level down!
Tires and Tire Pressure
Making sure your tires are properly inflated is essential to avoiding any blowouts on the highway. A common misconception when filling a tire with air is that the correct pressure is written on the tire itself. This is actually just the maximum amount of pressure the tire can handle. You can find the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure written on the inside of the driver’s side door, the inside of the fuel cover or in the glove compartment. Don’t forget to check your spare tire too!
Engine Oil and Fluids
Whether you take your car into a lubricant specialist, or want to do it yourself, it is very important to remain up to date with oil changes and fluid top ups before you go on a long car trip. Make sure to have some extra windshield washer fluid on hand as well, as you may end up using more than you expect out on the highway. For cars made in the past four years, it’s important to check your engine coolant, especially if you’re approaching the 100,000km mark.
Battery
There are a few things you can do to ensure your battery will stay reliable throughout your trip. This basic maintenance includes checking the terminals to make sure they are tightly connected and not corroded. You can also check the battery itself for any visible cracks or leaks. If your battery is more than four years old, you may want to consider just replacing it all together before you travel.
By making sure your car is running smoothly before you hit the road this summer, you’ll be keeping yourself and your passengers safe while avoiding any potential costly repairs. Visit us online or get in touch on Facebook and Twitter for more information or to book an appointment at our Vancouver or Richmond auto body shop locations.