Summer is coming! Next thing you know those roads trips to the family campaign spot or annual car trip to Nana's house will be upon us. Master Tech Auto Repair has developed a safety inspection that you should perform on your car, truck or SUV now to avoid car problems while on the road later. The best way to know that everything is done and done right is to let a certified mechanic perform a full safety inspection on your car a week or so before your trip.
A safety inspection should cover the following things:
- Check the fluids. This includes oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and brake fluid. If you have not changed your oil in the last 3,000 miles, now would be a good time.
- Top off any fluids that are low. Buy extra bottles of each type to keep in the trunk, in case you should need them and in a remote area.
- Make sure your wipers give you a smear-free view when it rains. Replace them before you go.
- Make sure your car's battery and cables are securely attached and free of corrosion.
- Make sure your brakes are at least 50 percent. If they are lower than that, and you are driving more than 1,000 miles round trip, or if you plan on driving in mountains, have the brakes changed.
- Make sure all shocks, struts and springs are in good working order. If not, now would be the time to replace them.
- If it has been a while since your last maintenance update, do the recommended maintenance for your car. If you have a timing belt and you are within a few thousand miles of the replacement time, have the timing belt replaced.
- Check to make sure all lights are working including brakes, turn signals, headlights and taillights.
- If the tires are showing any tread wear, replace the tires. Make sure all four tires and the spare are inflated to proper tire pressure.
- Having a roadside survival kit at the ready will make an unexpected breakdown a lot less stressful. Make sure your kit includes (at a minimum) a blanket, a flashlight with fresh batteries, and some extra food and water.
- Keep a copy of your car's warranty, insurance and contact information for your emergency car care service in the glove box.
- Lastly, bring along a spare set of keys to your car and put that spare key in a magnetic car key hider somewhere on your vehicle in case you lose your keys.
Don't wait and have a mechanic look at your car the day before your trip. If there's a problem, it could take some time to fix. A big, last-minute auto repair could really throw a wrench into your travel plans or even delay your trip. Don't let auto problems ruin your summer family plans. By taking the time to address these maintenance tips, we will ensure that your car is ready for the fun road-trip this summer!
