Heading off on a long road trip is exciting. Whether you’re going away to the cottage or driving to a different city, if you’re planning to cover a long distance, you want to make sure your car is functioning as well as possible – for your safety and enjoyment. One of the best ways to make sure everything is operating properly is going in for a checkup and tuneup at the mechanic and checking out a few things yourself.
Check Your Engine Oil
Before you head off it’s important to make sure your engine oil isn’t only filled, but fresh. Even if you have a good amount of oil, if you notice any discoloration, strange engine noises, or an odor smell inside of your vehicle, that could mean your engine oil isn’t fresh and needs to be replaced. If it’s not, it will start to lose functionality. It’s extremely important to keep your engine lubricated to ensure your vehicle continues to function properly.
Test Your Car’s Braking System
Your braking system is extremely important for safe driving. If it’s not responsive or working as well as you’d expect, that could put you in dangerous situations when you’re not able to come to a complete stop for traffic and intersections. Make sure the pedal is working properly and check the brake fluid.
Check Your Tires
It’s also important to check your tire pressure and make sure they’re inflated. You can find the tire pressure in your car’s owner’s manual, and make sure it matches up with the number there. Also, check for any signs of damage or defects, and if you notice any, get them replaced.
Make Sure Your Lights Work Properly
High-functioning lights are also important for your safety and security. If your headlights and tail lights aren’t working properly, other cars might not be able to see you at night. Poor visibility is a dangerous situation that can cause accidents if your lights aren’t working or are too dim for other drivers to see.
Conduct a Test Drive
Don’t just hop out for a few minutes and come right back. Do a lengthy test drive on different roads to see how your car operates under different conditions, to make sure you won’t experience problems in the middle of nowhere. Pay attention to any strange noises, smells, or malfunctions you might notice – and deal with them before you leave, or as soon as possible.
Go in For Maintenance Services
You don’t have to wait a certain period of time to undergo car maintenance. If you’re heading off on a long road trip and want to maximize your safety, visit a motor shop to undergo a proper checkup and tune-up. Auto experts know what to look for and can detect small problems before they become big and have a huge impact on your vehicle.
The auto experts at McKinney Motor Company know what to look for and can help you get your car fully ready for your summer road trip and detect any problems before they become significant. Make an appointment at McKinney Motor Company to get your car professionally inspected and fully tuned-up.
