Road Trip? 3 Things To Check On Your Vehicle Before Hitting The Road

Long trips can be extremely fun and exciting, but if you end up having motor problems during your trip, things can take a huge turn for the worse and all that fun just goes right down the drain. A breakdown can be expensive and put your entire trip off course, and if you are extremely unlucky, you may find yourself in the middle of nowhere with little to no cell reception when it happens. The best thing you can do is to have a professional inspect your vehicle before you hit the open road. Here are three things that should definitely be checked.

The Coolant

Your motor produces a significant amount of heat in order to power your vehicle. The coolant or antifreeze in the radiator is what ensures the temperature remains in check and draws out the heat as it moves throughout the motor.

If you don't keep an eye on the coolant level and it drops below normal levels, it can result in overheating, causing serious harm to the engine. At a minimum, make certain that the coolant is topped off prior to leaving. However, for optimal results, you should have a professional inspect the quality of your antifreeze and condition of the radiator.

The Tire Depth and Pressure

Your tires will work extremely hard to get you to where you are going for your trip. To minimize the overall risk of a blowout or flat tire, make sure that you perform a full inspection of your tires a couple of days before you plan on heading out.

You should begin by checking the depth of the tread. Generally, tires will have cross ribs or wear indicators at the bottom of the grooves. The rule of thumb is that tires should be replaced when you can place a penny upside down and can see the top of Lincoln's head. You should also check the pressure in the tires. Underinflation can result in damage to the sides of the tires, while overinflation can cause the middle parts of the tires to wear down quicker.

If you are uncertain whether your tires need to be replaced or you need assistance inspecting the tires, contact a car service in your area.

The Brake Pads

Brake pads are responsible for helping to bring your vehicle to a stop. For optimal safety, these pads need to be in good shape, particularly if you are going to be driving on steep roads or highways that may require quick stops or firm holding at a moment's notice.

Depending on your driving habits and the type of vehicle, brake pads may last somewhere between 25,000 and 65,000 miles. If you hear any kind of grinding or screeching noise when you apply pressure to the brake pedal, this means that you are in need of new pads. Take your vehicle to an auto service shop for an inspection and possible replacement before the road trip.

For more information, get in touch with a car service or dealership like Grey Chevrolet Inc. to schedule an appointment before hitting the open road.


Share