As you pack your bags and prepare for the upcoming holidays, it’s important to remember that your vehicle may not be 100 percent road-ready for a long-distance trip.
Here are 6 things you need to look out for before hitting the road this holiday season.
1. Inspect Your Tire Pressure
Improper tire inflation is the leading cause of premature tire replacement and blowouts on the road.
The last thing you want on your way to a celebration is having to stop and change out a flat, possibly missing your favorite dish.
Before taking off, fill your tires up with the proper amount of air. This amount is found in your owner’s manual. However, if you don’t have access to your manual, a licensed mechanic can fill your tires up to their proper PSI.
2. Schedule an Oil Change
You should get your oil changed every 3,000 miles. If you know that you’re reaching that boiling point or find that a dipstick check shows graininess or dark discoloration of your oil, your best bet is to schedule an oil change before your trip.
Many people opt to wait until after their trip to get an oil change. While this isn’t necessarily a bad idea if you start your trip well before the 3,000-mile mark, some fresh oil in your vehicle can help with:
- Engine lubrication on a long drive
- Improved gas mileage
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions while on the road
3. Get Your Tires Rotated
Before you leave on your trip, give your tires something to be thankful for and schedule a tire rotation at Kwik Kar.
Tire rotation services not only extend the life of your tire by preventing uneven wear, but they also give technicians a chance to thoroughly inspect your wheels before your long trip.
4. Inspect Your Brakes
Your brakes help keep your ride smooth and safe; so, you’ll want them in top condition for your trip.
Take your vehicle for a spin around the block and hit your brakes every so often. If you hear any strange noises like grinding or squeaking, you should definitely take your vehicle in for an official brake inspection.
Also, an inspection is in order if your vehicle vibrates whenever you apply your brakes.
5. Top Off All Necessary Fluids
Take a moment to have a mechanic check all of the fluid levels in your vehicle. Fluids like oil and coolant help keep your vehicle running smoothly and prolong the longevity of your investment when kept at proper levels.
Some of the fluids we can top off at Kwikl Kar include:
- Coolant
- Power Steering Fluid
- Engine Oil
- Windshield Washer Fluid
- Brake Fluid, and more!
6. Make Any Repairs and Replacements
If you know your vehicle needs some minor repairs like a broken tail light or worn down windshield wipers before your trip is when you need to take care of business.
You don’t want to be slowed down on your big trip. So, make sure that your vehicle is serviced to perfection in order to get your family to its destination swiftly and safely.
Get Your Car Serviced by the Best at a Kwik Kar Near You
Don’t take a chance on your car’s maintenance. The team at a Kwik Kar Automotive Lube & Service center near you can have your vehicle inspected and maintained in no time at all.
Trust us to get you and your vehicle safely to your destination. Contact us today to schedule maintenance or simply drive into our garage for last-minute services.
