Whether you want to explore every inch of Florida or venture out even further, going on scenic road trips is a great way to spend the summer. Opportunities for adventure and discovery abound, allowing you to create beautiful memories to last a lifetime.
As the open road beckons, do yourself a favor and get your car checked by a skilled mechanic before heading out. A pre-trip inspection can make the difference between mile after mile of fun and sitting on the side of the road, waiting for a tow.
Ready to ensure your car is prepared for your summer road trips? Here’s what you need to know.
When completed by an ASE-certified technician, a pre-trip inspection lets you get your car into the best possible shape before traveling far from home. During the inspection, your mechanic will assess the condition of all the major systems, from the engine and transmission to the brakes and AC system.
After the inspection, your technician will give you a full report on your vehicle, including any maintenance and repair recommendations they have. You can then improve the safety and reliability of your car by completing those services, allowing you to enjoy true peace of mind on all your travels.
The current condition of your car will determine the level of service needed to get it ready for your summer road trips. In addition to the service needs revealed during the pre-trip inspection, all the following tasks will ensure your car is ready to go.
Preventative maintenance restores all the consumable parts and fluids used by your car’s major systems. Oil changes, brake flushes and pad replacements, tune-ups, AC service, cooling system services, and the like can all preserve your car’s function, safety, and overall condition when done on schedule.
Not sure when to get these services done? Your mechanic will let you know when your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends completing each service.
Fluid services keep each system’s lifeblood pulsing through its line and passageways, ensuring your car works as intended. During the pre-trip inspection, your mechanic will check and top each fluid off if all is well. If the fluid looks dirty or you’re due for maintenance, they may recommend fluid services, like a coolant flush.
The lights at every corner of your vehicle must shine brightly to ensure your safety throughout your road trip. You can verify that they’re in good working order by turning them on and walking around your car to check each one. Have someone press the brakes a few times as you do that to check the brake lights. Don’t forget to check the lights in your cabin and trunk as well.
When the rain starts to come down during your drives, you want your windshield wipers to clear away the water without streaking or squeaking. To ensure that happens, get your wipers changed just before your trip.
Also, top off your windshield washer fluid, so you can clean off your windshield if it gets dirty while on the road.
Perhaps nothing is more frustrating than your AC not blowing cold or at all while traveling in the summer heat. You don’t have to leave it to chance, though. Simply come into the shop to have your AC system inspected and tested to confirm it’s blowing icy cold air your way.
As your only contact point with the road, your tires deserve your full attention before going on a road trip. You’ll want to inspect the condition of your tires, have them rotated, and even get a wheel alignment while you’re at it. Put a tire pressure gauge in your emergency kit as well to keep them pumped up to the proper levels.
To ensure your car is ready to hit the road when you are, complete a pre-trip inspection in Groveland, FL about two to three weeks before your summer road trip. That’ll give you time to complete the preventative maintenance and repair services your car needs to run and drive at its best through every mile.
Whenever you’d like to get your car ready for your travels, reach out to our team at Griffis Automotive Clinic with a call to (352) 243-2277. If you prefer to visit us, we’re located at 1508 A Max Hooks Rd., Groveland, FL 34736.
