Automotive Maintenance Checklist for Road Trips

Safety List for Road Trips

Okay, you’re prepared to give your vehicle with a fine-tooth comb, but where do you start? Your road trip checklist should concentrate on 3 primary areas: Fluids, Wheels and Tires, and Maintenance. While not an extensive checklist, if you completely inspect these locations your possibility of a nonstop journey get better.

Fluids

• Motor Oil – As we mentioned above, you’ll want to make certain that the oil has been changed recently.
• Transmission Fluid – Make sure to consult your owner’s manual to see the intervals at which to have it replaced. If it’s past due, you’ll need to change it.
• Radiator fluid – Make sure that your antifreeze is full for optimal efficiency and examine your owner’s manual to see if it ought to be changed.
• Brake Fluid – Being able to brake efficiently can mean the difference between an accident or avoiding one. If you are unsure, get it checked
• Windshield Fluid – If you’re likely to be driving a long distance you’re most likely to strike some insects or various other road debris. Make sure your windshield wiper fluid container is full to get the crud off. Wiper fluid is pointless without excellent wipers, so replace your wipers while you’re at it.

Tires

• Tire Tread – Ensure there are no bald spots and that you have a lot of tread left. Double-check for any kind of punctures that need to be taken care of. If they can not be fixed, change them.
• Air Pressure – Make sure that your tires are inflated to the correct pressure and that it’s equal in each tire.
• Rotation – Make certain that your tires don’t need to be rotated. Tires that aren’t balanced/rotated appropriately can wear unevenly and have an aggravating vibration.
• Spare Tire – Whatever you examine on your primary tires, do it for your spare too.

Regular Maintenance Items

• Light Bulbs – Burned out headlamps and taillights can be a safety threat, so make certain they work normally. While you are at it, examine your directional signal lights and parking lights. You could also update to LED light bulbs for brighter light and lower power consumption
• Air Filter – If you’re like a lot of us, your air filter needed changing years ago. It’s simple to do, isn’t really costly, and can aid with better gas mileage.
• Belts and Hoses – If you aren’t a mechanic, this could be a little challenging however it can, in fact, be quite easy. First thing is to look for fractures in the hoses, after that squeeze the hoses to see if they feel brittle. Hoses need to feel really rubbery, if they feel breakable or have fractures you should replace them. Try to find leaks on your hoses, specifically where they connect to other components. Lastly, checks the belts to make sure they aren’t loosely connected or have missing notches. A broken belt and/or hose can promptly wreck your road trip and your engine.
• Battery – Look to make certain the battery terminals are not corroded and that the +/- terminals are tightened. If your car starts slowly you may need a new battery.
• Brakes – Being able to brake your car effectively is key in avoiding crashes. Changing your brake fluid, replacing the brake pads, and even getting brand-new brake rotors may be essential to have a safe car for your trip.

Take a Test Drive

You understand your automobile much better than anybody. Take it out for a quick drive to see if something feels off. This isn’t for fun so shut off the radio and concentrate. Does your vehicle pull to one side when braking heavily? Does your AC blow cold air? If something feels off, you should have an expert take a look into it.

Schedule Road Trip Maintenance Today

Schedule your car’s road trip maintenance service at Porsche El Paso. We are your source for all service needs in the El Paso, TX area. Schedule an appointment online, by phone, or in-person today. Our certified specialists are ready to serve you!