Road Trip Automotive Maintenance Checklist

Safety List for Road Trips

Ok, you’re prepared to give your car with a fine-tooth comb, but where do you start? Your road trip checklist should focus on 3 primary sections: Fluids, Wheels and Tires, and Maintenance. While not an extensive checklist, if you completely examine these locations your chances of a nonstop journey get better.

Don’t Forget Your Fluids

• Engine Oil – As we stated above, you’ll want to make certain that the engine oil has been changed recently.
• Transmission Fluid – Be sure to consult your owner’s manual to see the intervals at which to have it changed. If it’s past due, you’ll want to change it.
• Radiator fluid – See to it that your antifreeze is completely full for optimum performance and check your owner’s manual to see if it needs to be changed.
• Brake Fluid – Having the ability to brake properly can be the difference between a crash or avoiding one. If you are not sure, have it examined
• Wiper Fluid – If you’re going to be driving a long distance you’re most likely to hit some insects or other road debris. Ensure your windshield wiper fluid container is completely full to get the crud off. Wiper fluid is useless without great wipers, so replace your wipers while you’re at it.

Check Your Tires

• Tread – Make certain there are no bald spots and that you have plenty of tread left. Double-check for any type of punctures that need to be fixed. If they can not be fixed, change them.
• Air Pressure – Make certain that your tires are aired up to the right pressure and that they all have equal pressure in each tire.
• Rotation – Make sure that your tires do not need to be rotated. Tires that aren’t balanced/rotated appropriately can wear unevenly and have a frustrating vibration.
• Spare Tire – Whatever you check on your primary tires, do it for your spare too.

General Maintenance Issues

• Light Bulbs – Burned out headlamps and taillights can be a safety danger, so make certain they function normally. While you are at it, inspect your turn signal lights and parking lights. You can also update to LED light bulbs for brighter light and reduced power usage
• Air Filter – If you’re like a lot of us, your air filter needed replacing years ago. It’s easy to do, isn’t really pricey, and can help 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 rather straightforward. First thing is to try to find cracks in the hoses, after that squeeze the tubes to see if they feel breakable. Hoses ought to feel really rubbery, if they feel brittle or have splits you must replace them. Look for leaks on your hoses, particularly where they connect to other parts. Lastly, check the belts to ensure they aren’t loosely connected or have missing notches. A damaged belt and/or hose can rapidly wreck your road trip and your engine.
• Battery – Look to make certain the battery terminals are not worn away and that the positive and negative connections are tight. If your vehicle starts slowly you might need to replace your battery.
• Brakes – Being able to brake, your vehicle capably is key in staying clear of accidents. Changing your brake fluid, changing the brake pads, and even obtaining brand-new brake rotors could be needed to have a risk-free car for your trip.

Test Drive Your Car Before the Road Trip

You understand your automobile far better than anybody. Take it out for a fast drive to see if something really feels off. This isn’t a pleasure cruise so shut off the radio and concentrate. Does your car draw to one side when braking heavily? Does your car A/C blows cold air? If something feels a little off, you should have a certified technician take a look at it.

Schedule Car Road Trip Maintenance Today

Schedule your car road trip maintenance service at Bob Howard Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. We are your trusted source for all of your vehicle service needs in the Oklahoma City, OK area. Schedule an appointment in-person, online, or by phone today. Our factory-trained technicians are ready to serve you!