What Kind Of Vehicle Maintenance Should You Do Before Going On The Road?
Are you planning a road trip soon? If so, it's important to make sure your vehicle is in good condition! There are a few basic maintenance tasks that you can do yourself to ensure your car is ready for the journey. In this blog post, we will discuss what those tasks are and how to complete them.
We'll also provide some helpful tips on keeping your car running smoothly during the trip. So, whether you're hitting the open road or just staying close to home, be sure to read this post!
1. Check your tire pressure and make sure they're inflated to the correct level
To save gas and have a smoother ride, it's important to keep your tires inflated to the proper psi. You can usually find the right number on a sticker inside your driver's side door.
Checking your tire pressure is easy to do and only takes a few minutes. You'll need a tire gauge, which you can buy at any auto parts store.
Also, you may need to get spare parts for your wheel, like bearing or seals. That way, you can keep your car in good condition and avoid any accidents on the road.
2. Inspect your brakes for wear and tear - if needed, have them replaced or serviced
As you'll be doing a lot of braking on the road, you want to make sure that your brakes are in good condition. Inspect them for wear and tear, and if they need to be replaced or serviced, get it done before you hit the road.
If you're not comfortable inspecting your own brakes, take your car to a qualified mechanic and have them check it out for you. Better to be safe than sorry!
In addition, your brakes should be properly serviced at least once a year. So if it's been a while since you've had them looked at, now would be a good time to do so.
3. Fill up your washer fluid and engine oil levels
With the hot weather, you will definitely need to use your windshield wipers more often. Make sure that your washer fluid is full, so you can clean your windshield when needed. You should also check your engine oil level and top it up if necessary. This will help keep your engine running smoothly during the hotter months.
Also, engine oil breaks down faster in the heat, so it’s important to check your oil level more frequently during the summer months.
If you notice that your engine is running hotter than usual, or if the oil light comes on, be sure to pull over and call a tow truck. Overheating can cause serious damage to your engine.
4. Make sure your headlights and taillights are working properly
Once you're on the road, you want to make sure other drivers can see you. Check your headlights and taillights to ensure they are clean and working properly. You may also want to consider investing in some additional lighting for your car, such as fog lights.
If you're driving at night or in bad weather, it's even more important to have functioning headlights and taillights. You don't want to get pulled over for a broken taillight - or worse, cause an accident because someone couldn't see your car.
So before you hit the road, take a few minutes to check your lights. It could save you a lot of trouble down the line.
5. Test your car battery to see if it needs to be replaced
Since extreme temperatures can affect your battery's ability to hold a charge, it's important to test it before embarking on a long road trip. You can do this by taking it to an auto parts store or using a home testing kit. If the battery is more than three years old or if it fails the test, you should replace it.
And, you should consider getting another battery if you live in an area with very cold winters or very hot summers. So, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your battery's health and get it replaced before it fails.
6. Get a tune-up if you haven't done so in a while
One of the most important things you can do to ensure your car is running smoothly and efficiently is to get a tune-up. This involves changing the oil, checking the fluids, and making sure all the parts are in good working condition. If it's been a while since you've had a tune-up, it's definitely something you should do before hitting the road.
Additionally, getting a tune-up will help you avoid any potential breakdowns or issues while on your trip. Nobody wants to be stranded on the side of the road, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
7. Replace your air filter
Checking and potentially replacing your air filter should be part of every car owner’s regular maintenance routine. But if you’re getting ready for a road trip, it’s even more important to make sure your air filter is clean and functioning properly.
A clogged air filter can cause decreased gas mileage and reduced performance, so you don’t want to be stuck with that on a long car ride. If you’re not sure how to replace your air filter, ask a professional or consult your owner’s manual. But either way, make sure to do it before you hit the road this summer!
8. Make sure your license plates are up to date
Lastly, check that your license plates are up to date. You can be pulled over and ticketed if they're expired, so it's not worth the risk. And, not to mention, it's just plain illegal.
Checking your vehicle before a road trip is essential to having a safe and enjoyable journey. By following this maintenance checklist, you can rest assured that your car is in good condition and ready for the open road. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure!