Things to Check before Going on a Road Trip!
Summer is at our door and if you’re like a lot of people, you are planning your summer road trip, maybe a drive across country. Before you head down the road, make sure that your vehicle is up to the task. There are a few things to check before going on a road trip! Don’t let your dream vacation turn into a nightmare! Even small problems, such as worn-out windshield wipers or a flat tire can turn your trip into a crisis.
- Read your owner's manual. This is the best source of information about your car, from using overdrive when you tow a trailer to how to change a tire. Keep it in your glove box for easy reference.
- Pay attention to the signs of potential problems. If you notice signs of potential problems, such as vibrations or irregular noise, or if your car starts to “wander” to the side of the road, tell your mechanic about it at the pre-trip car inspection.
- Pre-Trip Car Inspection. Most of the important components of your vehicle should only be inspected by an auto repair professional. A “pre-trip maintenance package” should include some or all of the following:
- Have an oil change if it is due while you are gone
- Check tires--rotation, wheel alignment and balancing, air pressure (including the spare)
- Check the car battery's cranking speed
- Check and top-off as needed, antifreeze/coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer reservoir
- Have the air filter changed
- Check the jack
- Check the horn
- Check the windshield wipers
- Make sure all the lights are working
- Make sure the heater and air conditioner are in good working order
- Pack the trunk. Make sure to pack a first aid kit, an emergency kit, roadside flares, a quart of oil, extra fuses, a flashlight, a multipurpose tool, a tire inflator and jack, some rags, and a pocket knife. Don’t forget your phone charger, bottled water, a blanket, and some protein snacks.
Need to know more about the things to check before going on a road trip? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information and to schedule an appointment for a pre-trip car inspection. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
Summer is at our door and if you’re like a lot of people, you are planning your summer road trip, maybe a drive across country. Before you head down the road, make sure that your vehicle is up to the task. There are a few things to check before going on a road trip! Don’t let your dream vacation turn into a nightmare! Even small problems, such as worn-out windshield wipers or a flat tire can turn your trip into a crisis.
- Read your owner's manual. This is the best source of information about your car, from using overdrive when you tow a trailer to how to change a tire. Keep it in your glove box for easy reference.
- Pay attention to the signs of potential problems. If you notice signs of potential problems, such as vibrations or irregular noise, or if your car starts to “wander” to the side of the road, tell your mechanic about it at the pre-trip car inspection.
- Pre-Trip Car Inspection. Most of the important components of your vehicle should only be inspected by an auto repair professional. A “pre-trip maintenance package” should include some or all of the following:
- Have an oil change if it is due while you are gone
- Check tires--rotation, wheel alignment and balancing, air pressure (including the spare)
- Check the car battery's cranking speed
- Check and top-off as needed, antifreeze/coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer reservoir
- Have the air filter changed
- Check the jack
- Check the horn
- Check the windshield wipers
- Make sure all the lights are working
- Make sure the heater and air conditioner are in good working order
- Pack the trunk. Make sure to pack a first aid kit, an emergency kit, roadside flares, a quart of oil, extra fuses, a flashlight, a multipurpose tool, a tire inflator and jack, some rags, and a pocket knife. Don’t forget your phone charger, bottled water, a blanket, and some protein snacks.
Need to know more about the things to check before going on a road trip? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information and to schedule an appointment for a pre-trip car inspection. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
