Summer and road trips often go hand in hand. Travel and vacation plans frequently take people further from home than normal, and involve fully loaded vehicles in hot weather. This combination can create an expensive problem if there has been any neglected maintenance. Carefully inspect your car now to get in gear for summer driving.
Visibility, Lights and Electrical
A walk-around inspection of all lights on a vehicle only takes a few minutes, and is a good thing to do regularly. Make sure that all of your lights are working properly, including directional and running lights. This is also a good time clean your headlight lenses if they are dirty or covered with bugs. Cleaning the inside and outside of all window glass makes driving safer, too, especially at night. While you’re at it, check your battery as well, and correct any loose connections with the terminals or clear away any signs of corrosion.
Inspect the Gas Cap
“Really?” you’re probably thinking, but yes – check the gas cap. The fuel systems on modern vehicles are pressurized, so something as simple as a loose gas cap or a cap with a cracked, damaged or missing gasket can trigger an engine warning light. It is a good idea to take a look at the cap and gasket once in a while when you are buying gas to make sure it isn’t worn or broken.
Oil and Fluid Changes
Regular engine oil changes are essential for making a car last as long as possible, and if you’re approaching your normal oil change mileage or expect to during your trip, you may want to have it done now before you head out on the road. It is important that oil changes are performed at least as frequently as recommended by the manufacturer, and that the proper oil is used. Some modern vehicles require the use of synthetic oils, for example, so make sure you’re using the right lubrication.
Engine oil is not the only fluid that needs to be checked and changed periodically, though. Transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid all need to be checked and replenished on regular replacement intervals. Changing your fluids on the proper schedule can help to avoid breakdowns and save money on repairs.
Keep Your Cool
Cooling system problems are responsible for many breakdowns. The cooling system, perhaps ironically, operates at high temperature and under high pressure. It is important to replace your coolant every few years and to flush the cooling system periodically to prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime that may cause the car to overheat. Hoses also need to be inspected and replaced periodically, too.
Speaking of cool, don’t forget to test your air conditioning system before you hit the road. The last thing you want is to be stuck in heavy traffic on the highway and have no air conditioning, leaving you roasting in the summer sun. Test your AC before you hit the road, and have any failures or strange smells professionally inspected before your summer trip to avoid an unpleasant summer drive.
Tires
Tires should be checked for proper inflation and uneven wear before starting out on a trip and periodically when you make pit stops on the road. Low tire pressure can not only affect how the vehicle handles, but it also can make tires run hotter than normal, increasing the chance of a blowout. Underinflated tires can also cost you miles per gallon as your engine works harder to move your vehicle with more of the wheel in contact with the road. Uneven tire wear can also occur more rapidly when tires are improperly pressurized. Don’t neglect having your tires rotated regularly so that they wear evenly and last longer.
Call the Professionals
Keeping an eye on some things is not hard, but a thorough inspection often needs to be performed by a professional. Inspecting brakes requires lifting the vehicle and removing the wheels. Similarly, checking the steering and drivetrain components on most vehicles can only be accomplished by getting underneath the vehicle. Calling a professional to perform a complete vehicle inspection can catch any pending problems before you are on the road and will save you money compared to an emergency repair far from home.
AV Bumper to Bumper is a family-owned auto repair and machine shop. We have been taking care of our customers’ automotive needs since 2000, and we’re ready to help you get ready for your big summer road trip. Call us today at 661-949-1999 to schedule an appointment to have your car inspected before your summer travel.
