Brakes
Your brakes are the number one line of defense between you and the vehicle in front of you. They are the most important safety component in your vehicle and should be treated as such! If your brakes take longer to slow down your vehicle than they used to, pull your vehicle to the left or right when you brake, or emit a screeching or grinding noise when you slow down, you may need to have them looked at. Knowing how to spot the signs of brake wear will help extend the life of your brakes and keep you ahead of the curve with maintenance. Repaired or replaced brakes can make all the difference in the world when you're on the road!
Tires
Make sure your tires are able to handle the road by giving them a quick inspection! Check the tread on your tires to make sure they're able to take on the road for a long period of time. The tread, or grooves on your tires, help your vehicle to grip the road. Whether you're on concrete or dirt, they keep your vehicle stable. To check the tread level, place a penny in between the main groove of your tire with Abraham Lincoln's head facing down. If you can still see Lincoln's head when you put it between the groove, this means your tread is worn and you need new tires. If not, you've got enough tread to grip the road and you're ready for a road trip!
Headlights
Driving with clear, strong headlights can make all the difference in the world when the sun goes down! With foggy and dim headlights, your visibility is reduced and it'll expose you and your passengers to a variety of hazards. Test your headlights a few nights before your road trip, making sure that both your regular and "bright" lights provide you with enough visibility. If you're having trouble seeing while on the road, schedule an appointment with us and we'll equip your vehicle with a fresh new pair of headlights in no time!
Engine Fluids
Your engine requires a lot of components to ensure you're able to drive safely and efficiently on the road. Several fluids help to regulate the temperature of your engine, improve visibility on the road, and lubricate your engine's components. Thankfully, they're all very easy to check and replace!
- Oil: Lubricating your engine's components, your oil plays an extremely important role in ensuring your engine runs smoothly. To check your oil level, first locate the dipstick (the plastic ring sticking out of your engine) and remove it from your engine. Next, clean it off and reinsert the dipstick into the engine, removing it again. Your dipstick will have full and empty labels on it, indicating whether or not your oil needs to be replaced.
- Coolant: Your engine's coolant, or antifreeze, regulates the temperature of your engine, preventing it from overheating and causing permanent damage to its components. To check your engine coolant, look for the large, translucent plastic container of colored liquid. The side of the container, similar to the dipstick, has full and empty labels on it to indicate whether or not your coolant will need replacing.
- Wiper Fluid: Under the hood, you can also find and replace your wiper fluid with ease! A full container of wiper fluid will make a big difference when you need to clean any dirt or grime off your windshield, increasing visibility. Find the cylindrical container of blue liquid and look for its labels to find out whether or not you need more fluid.
Making sure that each and every one of these components is up to speed before you embark on your journey will make a huge difference when you're on the road. Make sure to check your vehicle before your next vacation so you don't end up sidelined on the freeway. If, however, you end up on the side of the road, make sure you know what to do if your vehicle breaks down to remain prepared for any situation. Before you leave, get your vehicle inspected by our Service Staff if you aren't sure whether or not you're good to go for your trip. Your vehicle will be ready to hit the road with a little routine maintenance!
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