Here are 4 maintenance aspects you should not neglect!
Road trips can be a lot of fun! However, there are some important things to consider before you hit the road. After all, you don't want to break down in the middle of nowhere, do you?
So, what should we be mindful of prior to leaving for a road trip? We're going to take a look at what you should inspect to ensure your car is in tip-top shape. Starting with:
Car Battery
A dead battery is not fun, especially if you get stuck in a random cornfield somewhere. My drive from Pittsburgh to Colorado was insanely boring in certain areas, and let me tell you, I would've lost my mind if my battery died on that route. *shivers* You will want to make sure your battery does not have any corrosion and is tightly secured. You should have your battery checked about once a year anyway, so if you are not up to date, you should definitely check it out before a road trip.
Car Brakes
I don't know about you, but I think being able to stop safely is pretty important for a car. If you've noticed any weird noises coming from the brakes, it could mean that they're worn out. If you notice this, you'll want to take your car to the shop as soon as you can. If your brake pedal feels spongy, it could mean the brake fluid is low. It is generally recommended to have your brakes inspected every six months, so make sure you are staying on top of this!
Tires
You definitely don't want a flat tire. Checking your tire pressure is important to help prevent this from happening. Luckily, our cars will let us know when the tire pressure is on the low side. You should also be sure to check the pressure on your spare, in case something does happen and one of your tires gets punctured. I've run over nails before while on the road, so even if your tires are good to go when you depart, you'll still want to have a backup. Beyond their air levels, you'll want to make sure your tires don't have uneven wear on them, as this could mean it's time for a rotation or alignment. These services are also recommended to have done about every six months.
Engine Oil
An oil change is another important aspect of regular maintenance that you should keep up with around every six months. This will make sure your oil is free from dirt and sludge that build up. Your engine will run much smoother with regular oil changes. Additionally, clean oil leads to better lubrication, which contributes to how well the engine will run and assists in avoiding overheating. It will also help your engine to last longer so that you can continue going on road trips for years to come.
Road trips are such a good time, especially when you live somewhere as cool as Colorado. Just be sure your car is in good enough shape to get you where you're going! Bighorn Automotive is a good local spot to check out for repairs and maintenance.
