When you’re cruising down the road this summer, finally on vacation, the last thing you want to deal with is your car breaking down on the side of the road. It means time taken away from your trip while waiting around for a fix and money spent that you were saving for your vacation. To help prevent some of that headache, get your vehicle checked out before you hit the road.
Even before a service appointment, the dash is a great place to do a first check on what you might need fixed before the road trip. Are there any lights? Any lights showing on your dashboard need attention. Obviously, red is the most critical, but yellow is an early notification that something isn’t quite right under the hood. Get it addressed now before it becomes a big headache on your trip.
You can also help your mechanic by paying attention to any unusual sounds or movements that happen when you’re driving. The next time you’re on the road, turn off the radio and listen. If you hear any squeaking, grinding, thumping, or other noises that you never noticed before, then mention them to the mechanic. If the noises are consistent or intermittent, mention them because they will likely mean something to our mechanics. Also pay attention to any vibrations that could be happening in the wheel.
To really get the most out of your tune-up, this is a basic checklist of parts that should be maintained before your vacation:
- Tire pressure
- Tire tread
- Tire rotation
- Fluids (brake, steering, oil, transmission, windshield)
- Coolant
- Windshield wipers
- Brake pads
- Air filters
- Headlights and brake lights
- Hoses and belts
- Battery
Once you’ve got the all clear from your service center, you should hopefully have a smooth ride. Things can still happen, so be prepared with an extra tire in case of a flat and your insurance car. If you’re in the Twin Cities area, Superior Service Center can help make sure you’re ready for your road trip, so schedule a tune-up today!