The Ultimate Automotive Maintenance Checklist for Road Trips

Safety List for Road Trips

Ok, you’re prepared to give your automobile a once-over with a fine-tooth comb, but where do you start? Your road trip checklist should concentrate on 3 major sections: Fluids, Wheels and Tires, and Maintenance. While not an exhaustive checklist, if you completely examine these locations your possibility of a nonstop road trip rises.

Get Your Fluids Checked

• Motor Oil – As we discussed above, you’ll want to make sure that the engine oil has been changed recently.
• Transmission Fluid – Make certain to consult your owner’s manual to see the intervals at which to have it changed. If it’s overdue, you’ll need to change it out.
• Radiator fluid – See to it that your antifreeze is completely full for optimal efficiency and check your owner’s manual to see if it ought to be changed.
• Brake Fluid – Having the ability to stop properly can mean the difference between an accident or not. If you are unclear, have it examined
• Windshield Wiper Fluid – If you’re going to be driving a long distance you’re going to hit some insects or other roadway debris. Make certain your windshield wiper fluid container is topped off to get the gunk off. Wiper fluid is ineffective without great wipers, so replace your wipers while you’re at it.

Tires & Treads

• Tire Tread – Make sure there are no bald spots and that you have lots of tire tread left. Double-check for any cuts that need to be fixed. If they can not be fixed, change them.
• Air Pressure – Make sure that your tires are pumped up to the appropriate pressure and that they all have the same pressure in each tire.
• Rotation – Make sure that your tires don’t need to be rotated. Tires that aren’t balanced/rotated correctly can wear unevenly and have a bothersome vibration.
• Spare Tire – Whatever you examine on your primary tires, do it for your spare tire as well.

Regular Maintenance Items

• Light Bulbs – Burned out headlamps and taillights can be a safety threat, so see to it they function correctly. While you are at it, check your turn indicator lights and parking lights. You might want to even update to LED light bulbs for brighter light and lower power usage
• Air Filter – If you’re like the majority of us, your air filter needs to be replaced years ago. It’s easy to do, isn’t very costly, and can help with better gas mileage.
• Belts and Hoses – If you aren’t an auto mechanic, this might be a little intimidating yet it can actually be fairly easy. First thing is to try to find cracks in the hoses, after that squeeze the hoses to see if they seem breakable. Hoses ought to feel rubbery, if they feel really fragile or have splits you need to change them. Try to find leaks on your hoses, particularly where they attach to other components. Lastly, check the belts to ensure they aren’t loosely attached or have missing notches. A damaged belt and/or hose can rapidly ruin your trip and your engine.
• Battery – Look to make sure the battery terminals are not corroded and that the +/- connections are tight. If your automobile starts slowly you might need to replace your battery.
• Brakes – Having the ability to brake, your vehicle competently is key in staying clear of crashes. Flushing your brake fluid, replacing the brake pads, and even obtaining new brake rotors might be needed to have a secure vehicle for your trip.

Test Drive Your Car Before the Road Trip

You know your car much better than anybody. Take it out for a fast drive to see if something feels off. This isn’t for fun so turn off the radio and concentrate. Does your vehicle pull to one side under heavy braking? Does your A/C blows cold? If something feels off, you should absolutely have a certified technician take a look at it.

Schedule Auto Road Trip Maintenance Today

Schedule your car road trip maintenance service at Gene Messer Volkswagen. We are your source for all of your vehicle service needs in the Lubbock, TX area. Book an appointment online, by phone, or in-person today. Our certified specialists are standing by to serve you and your vehicle!