When packing up your car to get ready for your long driving trip, it is very important to remember to do a vehicle inspection to help avoid any inconvenient or potential safety hazards of breaking down on the side of road while you are far on your way out of town. Not only will this sacrifice the time you get to enjoy yourself on your trip, it can also become costly and incredibly stressful.
A pre-trip vehicle inspection can help you see how road ready your vehicle is so you can take the time to solve or fix any problems ahead of time. Having a thorough inspection done will not only make your journey safer, but it will put you at peace of mind knowing that everything has been gone over.
Check your brakes to ensure they are in proper working condition, and also make sure that your battery is tight, clean, and corrosion free. Check all filters and fluids, including your engine oil, power steering, transmission, and brakes as well as windshield washer fluid and antifreeze or coolant. Dirty air filters can be a big problem, and can also sacrifice your fuel mileage, and in turn cause your engine to lose power.
Schedule a tune up to make sure that your engine is delivering the best balance of power and fuel economy. Make sure to check hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, and loose or show any signs of irregular wear. The proper functions of these items are crucial to your air conditioning, power steering, cooling system, and even your electrical system.
Check your tire pressure, treads, and wheel alignment. Over inflated tires can pop in extreme summer weather conditions, and underinflated tires reduce your vehicle’s overall fuel economy. Uneven wear will eventually lead to wheel alignment issues which affect your vehicle’s performance and handling. Tires should also be checked for any bulges or bald spots.
Make sure to book your vehicle in for a long road trip evaluation inspection, or go over the list of items before heading on your trip to ensure that you are vacation ready! You don’t want any surprises this summer, and we want to make sure you have a stress free and relaxing vacation! If you would like your vehicle inspected, or have any questions regarding vehicle inspections you can give us a call at 780-826-3278 or visit us online at www.ducharmemotors.com for more information!