Car Maintenance Checklist for Road Trips

Road Trip Safety List

Ok, you are ready to give your car with a fine-tooth comb, but where do you begin? Your road trip checklist should focus on 3 primary areas: Fluids, Wheels and Tires, and Maintenance. While not an exhaustive list, if you completely examine these areas your chances of a nonstop journey rises.

Don’t Forget Your Fluids

• Oil – As we stated above, you’ll need to make sure that the engine oil has been recently changed.
• Transmission Fluid – Make certain to consult your owner’s manual to see the intervals at which to have it replaced. If it’s overdue, you’ll want to change it out.
• Radiator fluid – Make sure that your antifreeze is completely full for optimal performance and examine your owner’s manual to see if it ought to be changed.
• Brake Fluid – Being able to stop effectively can be the difference between an accident or not. If you are uncertain, have it checked
• Windshield Fluid – If you’re likely to be driving a long distance you’re going to strike some bugs or other roadway debris. See to it your wiper fluid container is completely full to get the crud off. Wiper fluid is pointless without great wipers, so replace your wipers while you’re at it.

Tires & Treads

• Tire Tread – Ensure there are no bald spots and that you have a lot of tread left. Double-check for any punctures that require attention. If they can not be repaired, replace them.
• Air Pressure – See to it that your tires are pumped up to the right pressure and that it’s equal in each tire.
• Rotation – Make sure that your tires do not need to be rotated. Tires that aren’t balanced/rotated correctly can wear unevenly and have a frustrating vibration.
• Spare Tire – Whatever you look at on your primary tires, do it for your spare also.

Routine Service Items

• Light Bulbs – Worn out headlights and taillights can be a safety hazard, so see to it that they function correctly. While you are at it, examine your turn signal lights and parking lights. You might want to also upgrade to LED bulbs for brighter light and reduced power usage
• Air Filter – If you resemble the majority of us, your air filter should’ve changed years ago. It’s simple to do, isn’t really pricey, and can help with better gas mileage.
• Belts and Hoses – If you aren’t a mechanic, this may be a little challenging however it can, in fact, be quite basic. First thing is to try to find cracks in the hoses, after that press the hoses to see if they seem brittle. Hoses ought to feel really rubbery, if they feel weak or have cracks you must replace them. Try to find leaks on your hoses, particularly where they link to other components. Finally, checks the belts to make certain they aren’t loosely attached or have missing notches. A damaged belt and/or hose can swiftly wreck your trip and your engine.
• Battery – See to it that the battery terminals are not corroded and that the positive and negative connections are tightened. If your vehicle starts slowly you might need a new battery.
• Brakes – Being able to break your automobile competently is key in avoiding crashes. Changing your brake fluid, changing the brake pads, and even getting brand-new rotors may be necessary to have a secure automobile for your journey.

Take It for a Test Drive

You know your automobile much better than anybody. Take it out for a quick spin to see if something feels off. This isn’t for fun so shut off the radio and concentrate. Does your car draw to one side under heavy braking? Does your Air Conditioning blow cold? If something feels off, you should have a specialist take a look into it.

Schedule Auto Road Trip Maintenance Today

Schedule your car road trip maintenance service at Bob Howard Toyota. We are your trusted source for all of your vehicle maintenance needs in the Oklahoma City area. Book an appointment in-person, online, or by phone today. Our technicians are on hand to serve you and your car or truck!