Going on a road trip or enjoying one last hurrah before summer’s up can be an exhilarating way to spend a vacation. Who’s got the sunscreen? Where’s the map? Those are popular questions. A much-less-common question is, “who’s prepped the car for all of this driving?”
Though the question could get you labelled a buzzkill, you’ll have a much more enjoyable trip by taking a few minutes to at least consider your vehicle’s preparedness for the trek ahead. A visual scan of your tires, battery, and windshield is much better than nothing, but to be fully covered you’ll want to take your vehicle in to All Around Auto Repair to check the following:
Fluid Levels
Your vehicle has a dizzying amount of fluids: oil, radiator, transmission, power steering, brake, washer, and air conditioning. Woah, that’s a lot of different levels to make sure are up to snuff before pulling out of the driveway! Most people only think about windshield washer fluid.
The fact is that your vehicle could really benefit from a change of engine oil before a whopper of a road trip. All Around Auto Repair provides blended synthetic oils to remove nasty particles from your engine and keep it running as efficiently as possible.
Longer road trips might call for a slightly tweaked formula. All Around Auto Repair can put fully synthetic engine oil in your vehicle. Synthetic oil will help to prevent your engine from overheating if you’re lugging a trailer or driving for hundreds of miles in swelteringly hot weather.
Both your drive axle and transmission need lubrication as well, which is where comprehensive auto care at All Around Auto Repair comes in.
Inspect the Battery
If your battery is a few years old, then check your battery’s terminals before heading out on a big trip. A lackluster starter means that there’s corrosion or your battery is heading the way of the pterodactyl. In either case, a replacement is probably necessary.
If you suspect something has gone terribly wrong, then feel free to crack open the hood of your vehicle and check for visible signs of corrosion (e.g., a white layer near your battery’s terminals). Acid leaks and cracks are surefire signs that your battery is on the fritz. Coming in to All Around Auto Repair and having the output voltage tested is a good idea if you’re in doubt.
In case you feel totally out of your depth with the battery, All Around Auto Care can make sure that your leads are tight and that you’re not jeopardizing the health of your alternator. Most batteries last for about five to seven years, although many batteries have to be replaced after three years. Come in to All Around Auto Repair for a battery check and comprehensive auto care before a big trip.
Check the Hot Wheels
In a pretty literal sense, hot wheels could be a problem on a road trip: Heat causes the PSI level in each of your tires to rise. Check your tire pressure before heading out!
And most people don’t think about it quite this way, but your tires are (hopefully!) your vehicle’s only point of contact with the road, so check your tread levels.
Any kind of vibration at highway speeds of about 70 miles per hour means that your tires probably need to be balanced and rotated. Tire rotation can ensure even wear throughout your tires.
If your steering wheel is pulling to one side, then your tires likely need to be aligned before you set off on a road trip. Contact All Around Auto Repair to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Should I Prepare My Car for a Long Road Trip?
Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is ready for the journey by checking all fluid levels, such as oil, transmission fluid, and coolant. Inspect your tires for proper inflation and tread depth, and make sure the battery is in good condition. Don’t forget to verify that your brakes, windshield wipers, and lights are working efficiently. A pre-trip vehicle inspection from a trusted mechanic can catch any potential issues and give you peace of mind.
Pro Tip: It’s estimated that under-inflated tires lower fuel efficiency by 0.2% for every 1 psi drop. Proper tire inflation can save you money on gas during your trip.
2. Why Is It Important to Check Fluid Levels Before a Road Trip?
Your car relies on multiple fluids to run smoothly, including engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Low or dirty fluid levels can lead to engine overheating, transmission failure, or brake malfunctions, which could leave you stranded during your trip. Checking and topping off these fluids, especially engine oil, ensures your car runs efficiently and reduces the risk of breakdowns.
Statistic: Regular oil changes can improve your car’s fuel economy by 1-2%, which is crucial on long drives.
3. What Are the Signs My Car Battery Might Fail on a Road Trip?
A weak battery often shows signs like slow engine cranking, dim headlights, or corrosion around the terminals. If your battery is more than three years old, it’s smart to have it tested before a road trip to ensure it’s fully charged and capable of handling long hours of driving. Checking the battery terminals for corrosion and cleaning them can also prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Fact: About 70% of car battery failures occur in extreme temperatures, making pre-trip checks crucial during summer road trips.
4. How Do I Check My Tires Before a Road Trip?
Start by checking the tire pressure, as incorrect PSI can lead to poor fuel efficiency and uneven wear. You can also inspect the tread depth with a penny—place it upside down in the tread; if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires. Lastly, look for any visible damage, like cracks or bulges, that could worsen during a long drive.
Pro Tip: Properly inflated and maintained tires can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%, saving you money on long trips.
5. What Happens If I Don’t Rotate My Tires Before a Road Trip?
Neglecting tire rotation can result in uneven tread wear, leading to poor handling and even tire blowouts, which are especially dangerous at highway speeds. Rotating your tires ensures that they wear evenly, extending their lifespan and improving vehicle stability. If your car vibrates at high speeds, it’s a sign your tires may need balancing or rotation.
Statistic: Regular tire rotation can extend tire life by up to 20%.
6. Should I Get My Brakes Checked Before a Long Trip?
Absolutely. Brakes are one of the most critical safety components in your vehicle. Listen for squeaking or grinding noises when braking, which indicates worn-out pads. Also, check the brake fluid level; low fluid can reduce braking efficiency. Getting your brakes inspected before a long road trip can prevent dangerous situations and expensive repairs later on.
Fact: Worn brake pads can increase stopping distance by as much as 20%, making it essential to address any issues before long trips.
7. How Often Should You Check Tire Pressure on a Road Trip?
It’s best to check your tire pressure before you start your trip and every time you stop for fuel. Driving long distances, especially in hot weather, can cause tire pressure to fluctuate, which affects your car’s handling and fuel efficiency. Maintaining the correct PSI level also reduces the risk of blowouts, which are more common on long road trips.
Fact: Tire blowouts are responsible for over 11,000 accidents annually in the U.S.
8. Can Driving with a Poorly Maintained Vehicle Affect Fuel Economy on a Road Trip?
Yes, it can! A poorly maintained vehicle, especially with under-inflated tires or overdue oil changes, can significantly reduce fuel efficiency. Dirty air filters, misaligned wheels, or low fluids can also cause your engine to work harder, using more gas. Keeping your vehicle in good condition can help you save on fuel during your trip.
Pro Tip: Regular maintenance can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 4%.
9. What Should Be Included in a Pre-Road Trip Vehicle Inspection?
A comprehensive pre-road trip vehicle inspection should cover fluid levels, tire pressure and tread, brake functionality, battery health, and overall engine performance. It’s also important to check lights, windshield wipers, and the cooling system. Ensuring your vehicle is road-ready prevents unexpected breakdowns and keeps you safe.
Statistic: Nearly 40% of breakdowns on the road could have been avoided with a proper pre-trip inspection.
10. How Can I Tell If My Vehicle’s Alignment Needs to Be Checked Before a Trip?
If your steering wheel pulls to one side or your vehicle vibrates at highway speeds, it’s a strong indication that your alignment is off. Misalignment causes uneven tire wear and poor handling, which can be especially dangerous during long trips. A professional alignment check ensures your car drives smoothly and prevents premature tire wear.
Fact: Misaligned wheels can reduce tire life by up to 15%.
