Get Your Vehicle Road Trip Ready With This Checklist

Before hitting the road for a fun trip with friends or family, make sure your vehicle is in the best shape possible to carry you to your destination safely. Use the following checklist to ensure all your vehicle’s components are in working order.

1. Check Your Tires

Make sure your tires are in good shape before putting in long days of driving. Poorly maintained tires can result in flats, blowouts, and other issues. Pay particular attention to the following:

• Tire pressure. Check your vehicle’s driver’s manual or door jamb sticker to determine the proper tire inflation level and use a tire pressure gauge to make sure the tires are inflated properly. Underinflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency, while overinflated tires can result in a rough ride.
• Tread. Worn tires pose a significant safety risk. Inspect the tread using the quarter test and replace balding tires before your trip.
• Tire rotation. If your tires haven’t been rotated over the past 5,000 to 8,000 miles, have your maintenance technician complete this task to ensure they wear evenly and last longer.

2. Top Off Essential Fluids

Fluids are critical to keeping your vehicle’s engine and other components running smoothly. Schedule a service appointment before your trip, during which technicians can check and replenish the following:

• Oil, your vehicle’s lifeblood, should be changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
• Brake fluid coats the brake lines and helps them bring your car to a stop quickly and sharply.
• Power steering fluid helps power the steering system so that you can turn your vehicle easily.
• Radiator fluid, also known as coolant or antifreeze, helps cool the engine and prevents it from overheating.
• Transmission fluid lubricates the gears and other moving parts and helps keep the transmission cool.
• Windshield wiper fluid can clean your windshield and remove debris.

Some of these top-offs, such as refilling the windshield wiper fluid, you can perform yourself. The rest are best left to a professional.

3. Check Brakes, Filters, Lights, and More

During your pre–road-trip service appointment, technicians will make sure a variety of other key vehicle parts are functioning as they should and make replacements as needed. These parts include the following:

• Air conditioning. You want the fans in good working order and an air conditioning unit that blows cool air.
• Air filters. When clogged, dirty air filters can reduce cabin air quality, fuel economy, and engine performance.
• Battery. Without a healthy battery, your vehicle won’t start. Car batteries typically last four to six years.
• Brake pads. When worn, brake pads can make annoying noises and fail to provide enough friction to slow your car when braking.
• Light bulbs. Replace burned-out headlamps, taillights, turn signals, brake lights, and emergency lights.
• Windshield wiper blades. Worn windshield wiper blades won’t be able to provide you with good visibility during rainy conditions.

Keep up with routine maintenance and review the above checklist to make sure your vehicle is road trip ready before a big adventure. If you need to schedule a pre-trip service appointment for your vehicle, contact our skilled technicians at Jordan Ford.

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