School is out and summer is almost here! Planning is underway for the next great adventure – and preventative car maintenance should be an important component of your road trip plan. Suffering a breakdown can be stressful under any circumstances; but when you’re on the highway, miles from the nearest town, a breakdown can ruin your summer adventure. Some simple preparations can keep you and your family safely on the road:
- Change your oil and filter
- Check all your car’s fluids: Coolant, brake, transmission, power steering and windshield washer fluids.
- Check your tires. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and are not overly or unevenly worn. Check for bulges in the sidewall and any other signs of tire damage. Click Here for an easy way to check the tread wear of your tires
- Check the hoses and belts in your car. Rubber hoses break down over time. Hoses should feel firm and pliant. If a hose bursts, your engine can overheat and cause serious damage. If you see orange or yellow coolant streaks on your engine, it’s a tell tale sign of a cracked hose. Belt ware can be more difficult to spot.
- Make sure you bring an extra key (or key fob)
- Check your windshield wipers. Wiper blades should be changed twice a year, especially in Colorado’s harsh climate.
- Check all the lights for your car: head lights, turn signals, brake lights, etc.
- Check or change your cabin air filter. A dirty cabin filter will cause the A/C system to work harder and the air flow to the passenger compartment will be reduced. Additionally, a dirty cabin filter can create a musty smell in your car.
- Make sure you have the proper tools (jack and tire iron) to change a flat tire. Make sure you’re comfortable changing a tire – if not, having roadside assistance protection can be helpful.
- Have extra rags, trash bags and handy wipes in case of spills or car sick children.
- Always be sure to bring a small first aid kit.
- Bring jumper cables, or even better is a battery powered jump box.
- Have your battery checked.
Be sure to schedule a preventative maintenance appointment with Addison Auto Repair and Auto Body before leaving on your trip. Call us at (303) 691-9484 or simply visit us online to schedule a service appointment. Our ASE Certified Master Technicians will keep your car safely on the road this summer.
