With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns, people have been restricted from social gatherings, concerts, sporting events, and the like. In this scenario, road trips have become a hot favorite among families.

NOTE: You can bring your car anytime to our auto service shop in Cambridge if you want to prepare for a stress-free road trip. Our professional licensed mechanics can help.

Whatever the destination, always ensure your car is road-trip-ready. Special Interest Automobiles auto garage in Cambridge recommends the following checklist to follow:

Inspect belts and hoses

Belts and hoses are some of the most integral components in an engine system. A failure in these can result in an overheated engine and loss of the electrical charging system. It is essential to conduct a thorough coolant and heater hose inspection before any road trip, especially during the summer. The under-hood temperature during the hotter season is at an all-time high, leading to melting and deterioration of the rubber compounds.

Belts and hoses are also susceptible to damage due to oil, sludge, dirt, and other wear and tear. It is important to check for cracks, bulges, and fraying around each of the bends during an inspection. Thus, a failure of the belt and hose system can ruin a road trip and must be prevented at all costs.

Top off fluids and replace filters

Before a road trip, it is essential to check the most common vehicle fluids and top them off, if necessary. These include:

Motor oil

This critical fluid should always be between the high and low mark. While on a road trip, it is recommended to store extra motor oil in the trunk for emergencies.

Coolant

The coolant helps in cooling down an overheated engine during summer and prevents it from freezing in winters.

Power steering fluid

Located under the hood and usually on the car’s passenger side is the power steering fluid reservoir. The power steering reservoir must be filled to the fill line located on either the side of the reservoir or on the dipstick. If the level is low, this indicates a leak and must be topped up immediately.

Transmission fluid

This fluid is essential in the smooth shifting of the transmission and is usually checked while running. Before checking the fluid level of the transmission, consult your owner’s manual for instructions.

It is also essential to check all the filters of the car before the road trip. These include the engine air filter, cabin filter, and oil filters.

Engine air filter

Also known as the air cleaner, the engine air filter prevents dust and dirt from entering the engine system.

Cabin filter

The cabin filter is also known as the pollen filter and cleans the air that enters the car, resulting in better air quality.

Check the brakes

Brake pads that are worn can be extremely dangerous, especially on highways and long trips. Usually, brake pads must be replaced between 25,000 and 70,000 miles, depending on the make and model of your car. However, a mechanic must inspect your brakes before a trip, especially if you hear any strange noises such as squeaking during application.

Inspect tires

Before the road trip, ensure the tread of your tires is not too worn, and they are properly inflated. It is also essential that you have your spare tire kit in the boot in case of an emergency. A tire blowout is one of the most common issues people face during road trips, and avoiding this can save time and effort.

Thus, the next time you plan a road trip, ensure you get your car thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic. If you need services such as an oil change, or general checking of your tires or suspension in Cambridge, contact Special Interest Automobiles auto shop today.