Why Car Service is Important Before a Road Trip!
Summer is here in full force and you may still be planning your summer road trip. Part of that planning should include making sure that you have had any needed car repair issues as well as any of the recommended maintenance items taken care of before heading down the road. Even small problems, such as a flat tire can turn your trip into a frustrating experience.
So why is car service important? Consider these tips for your road trip:
- Read your owner's manual. This little book (you should find it in your glovebox) will tell you everything you need to know about your vehicle--from using overdrive when you tow a trailer on to how to change a tire.
- Signs of potential problems. Pay attention to signs of potential problems before your trip, such as vibrations or irregular noise, or if your car starts to “wander” to the side of the road. Ask your car repair technician to check out what you have observed.
- Pre-Trip Inspection. As referenced above, a pre-trip inspection should be part of your road trip plans. This should include:
- Have the oil changed if it is due while you are gone.
- Have tires rotated, alignment and balance checked, air pressure, and depth of tread (including the spare and jack).
- Make sure the car battery is holding a charge.
- Check and top-off all fluids as needed, antifreeze/coolant, brake, power steering, transmission, windshield cleaner.
- Replace the air filter if it has reached the recommended mileage interval,
- Make sure the horn is working for use during an emergency situation.
- Windshield wipers should be replaced if they are older than six months.
- Replace any burned out or broken light bulbs
- Make sure the A/C is keeping you cool.
- Things to Pack. First aid kit, roadside flares, a quart of oil, extra fuses, flashlight, multipurpose tool, tire inflator and jack, a few rags, pocket knife, phone charger, bottled water, a blanket, and some snacks.
Have any questions about why car service is important before a road trip? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about car repair and maintenance services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
Summer is here in full force and you may still be planning your summer road trip. Part of that planning should include making sure that you have had any needed car repair issues as well as any of the recommended maintenance items taken care of before heading down the road. Even small problems, such as a flat tire can turn your trip into a frustrating experience.
So why is car service important? Consider these tips for your road trip:
- Read your owner's manual. This little book (you should find it in your glovebox) will tell you everything you need to know about your vehicle--from using overdrive when you tow a trailer on to how to change a tire.
- Signs of potential problems. Pay attention to signs of potential problems before your trip, such as vibrations or irregular noise, or if your car starts to “wander” to the side of the road. Ask your car repair technician to check out what you have observed.
- Pre-Trip Inspection. As referenced above, a pre-trip inspection should be part of your road trip plans. This should include:
- Have the oil changed if it is due while you are gone.
- Have tires rotated, alignment and balance checked, air pressure, and depth of tread (including the spare and jack).
- Make sure the car battery is holding a charge.
- Check and top-off all fluids as needed, antifreeze/coolant, brake, power steering, transmission, windshield cleaner.
- Replace the air filter if it has reached the recommended mileage interval,
- Make sure the horn is working for use during an emergency situation.
- Windshield wipers should be replaced if they are older than six months.
- Replace any burned out or broken light bulbs
- Make sure the A/C is keeping you cool.
- Things to Pack. First aid kit, roadside flares, a quart of oil, extra fuses, flashlight, multipurpose tool, tire inflator and jack, a few rags, pocket knife, phone charger, bottled water, a blanket, and some snacks.
Have any questions about why car service is important before a road trip? Contact our ASE Certified technicians today at Elk River Tire & Auto for more information about car repair and maintenance services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
