The Ultimate Road Trip Automotive Maintenance Checklist

Safety List for Road Trips

Ok, you are ready to give your automobile a once-over with a fine-tooth comb, but where do you start? Your road trip checklist should concentrate on 3 main sections: Fluids, Wheels and Tires, and Maintenance. While not an extensive listing, if you completely examine these areas your possibility of a nonstop trip rises.

Check Your Fluids

• Motor Oil – As we discussed above, you’ll want to make certain that the engine oil has been recently changed.
• Transmission Fluid – Make sure to consult your owner’s manual to see the intervals at which to have it replaced. If it’s past due, you’ll need to change it out.
• Radiator fluid – See to it that your antifreeze is full for maximum efficiency and check your owner’s manual to see if it needs to be changed.
• Brake Fluid – Being able to brake successfully can mean the difference between an accident or not. If you are not sure, have it inspected
• Windshield Fluid – If you’re going to be driving a long distance you’re going to strike some bugs or various other roadway debris. Make certain your wiper fluid container is completely full to get the crud off. Wiper fluid is ineffective without excellent wipers, so replace your wipers while you’re there.

Check Your Tires

• Tread – Make certain there are no bald spots and that you have a lot of tread left. Double-check for any cuts that require attention. If they can not be fixed, change them.
• Air Pressure – See to it that your tires are inflated to the correct pressure and that it’s equal in each tire.
• Rotation – Make certain that your tires do not need to be rotated. Tires that aren’t balanced/rotated appropriately can wear unevenly and have an aggravating vibration.
• Spare Tire – Whatever you look at on your main tires, do it for your spare also.

Routine Service Items

• Light Bulbs – Burned out headlamps and taillamps can be a safety threat, so ensure they work normally. While you are at it, check your directional signal lights and parking lights. You could even update to LED bulbs for brighter light and lower power usage
• Air Filter – If you’re like a lot of us, your air filter needed replacing years ago. It’s easy to do, isn’t really pricey, and can aid with better gas mileage.
• Belts and Hoses – If you aren’t a mechanic, this could be a little daunting yet it can, in fact, be fairly simple. First thing is to try to find fractures in the hoses, after that squeeze the tubes to see if they feel brittle. Hoses need to feel rubbery, if they feel really weak or have splits you should change them. Try to find leaks on your hoses, especially where they link to other parts. Lastly, checks the belts to make sure they aren’t loosely affixed or have missing notches. A busted belt and/or hose can swiftly destroy your journey and your engine.
• Battery – Check to make sure the battery terminals are not corroded and that the positive and negative connections are tightened. If your automobile starts slowly you might need to replace your battery.
• Brakes – Being able to stop your car capably is key in preventing accidents. Changing your brake fluid, changing the brake pads, and even getting brand-new brake rotors might be essential to have a secure vehicle for your journey.

Take It for a Test Drive

You know your automobile better than anyone. Take it out for a fast drive to see if something really feels off. This isn’t for fun so switch off the radio and concentrate. Does your car draw to one side under heavy braking? Does your Air Conditioner blow cold air? If something feels a little off, you should have a certified technician take a look into it.

Schedule Car Road Trip Maintenance Today

Schedule your car’s road trip maintenance service at Volkswagen of Alamo Heights. We are your trusted source for all your vehicle service needs in the San Antonio, TX area. Book an appointment in-person, by phone, or online today. Our factory-trained specialists are ready to serve you and your vehicle!