As the summer sun shines a little brighter and the days grow just a bit longer, more people are starting to make plans for road trips. There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road with your friends or family, exploring new sights and sounds.
However, before you gear & load up the car and take off on your adventure, it’s essential to do some preparatory car maintenance. Mike Patton Ford Lincoln has some best mechanics to get your car fixed for a long road trip. By sticking to these auto care tips, you can help ensure that your road trip is as smooth and trouble-free as possible. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
1. Do a Visual Inspection
Before you even think about keying off on a road trip, it’s essential to inspect your car visually. This means looking at the tires, fluid levels, lights, and anything else that could potentially cause problems down the road. If something doesn’t look right, it’s always better to take care of it before you’re far from home.
2. Check Your Tire Pressure
One of the most important things to check before heading out on a road trip is tire pressure. Incorrect tire pressure can decrease fuel efficiency, premature tire wear, and even blowouts. Check your car’s owner manual for the recommended tire pressure levels. You can also find tire pressure information on a sticker on the driver’s door.
3. Check Your Car Fluids
Next, you’ll want to check all of the fluids in your car. This includes the engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. Again, consult your car’s owner manual to see how often these should be replaced. Many carmakers have service intervals of 7,500 or even 10,000 miles for modern vehicles. However, it’s always good to check your fluids before embarking on a long road trip.
4. Check Your Lights
It’s also essential to ensure all of your car’s lights are in working order before setting out on a road trip. This includes the headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. If any of these are burned out, it could lead to an accident or a ticket.
5. Get a Tune-Up
If your car is due for a tune-up, it’s best to get one before going on a long road trip. This will help ensure that your vehicle runs as efficiently as possible and minimize the risk of breakdowns. A tune-up typically includes replacing the spark plugs, checking the engine’s timing belt, etc.
Road trips are a favorite summer activity for many, and nothing beats the freedom to hit your car’s open road. But before you go, make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey by taking it for car maintenance service at Mike Patton Ford Lincoln, serving Stovall, GA. By taking care of some simple things ahead of time, you can avoid any headaches (or breakdowns) on the way.
If you’re due for a service appointment, don’t wait – schedule one today and hit the road with peace of mind. We hope you have a great trip!
Connect with us
