Automotive Maintenance Checklist for Road Trips

Safety List for Road Trips

Okay, you are ready to go over your vehicle with a fine-tooth comb, but where do you start? Your road trip checklist should concentrate on 3 main areas: Fluids, Wheels and Tires, and Maintenance. While not an exhaustive listing, if you thoroughly examine these areas your chances of a nonstop journey rises.

Check Your Fluids

• Motor Oil – As we mentioned above, you’ll need to ensure that the engine oil has been changed recently.
• Transmission Fluid – Make sure to consult your owner’s manual to see how often it should be replaced. If it’s overdue, you’ll need to change it out.
• Radiator fluid – Make certain that your antifreeze is full for maximum performance and inspect your owner’s manual to see if it should be changed.
• Brake Fluid – Having the ability to brake properly can mean the difference between a collision or not. If you are unsure, have it inspected
• Windshield Fluid – If you’re likely to be putting in some seat time you’re most likely to hit some bugs or various other road debris. Make sure your windshield wiper fluid container is topped off to get the crud off. Wiper fluid is pointless without excellent wipers, so change your wipers while you’re there.

Check Your Tires

• Tire Tread – Ensure there are no bald spots and that you have plenty of tire tread left. Double-check for any type of punctures that need to be repaired. If they can not be fixed, replace them.
• Air Pressure – Make sure that your tires are inflated to the proper pressure and that they all have equal pressure 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 a frustrating vibration.
• Spare Tire – Whatever you check on your main tires, do it for your spare as well.

Routine Maintenance Items

• Light Bulbs – Burned out headlamps and taillamps can be a safety risk, so see to it they function correctly. While you are at it, examine your turn indicator lights and parking lights. You might want to also upgrade to LED bulbs for brighter light and reduced power usage
• Air Filter – If you’re like the majority of us, your air filter needed replacing years ago. It’s simple to do, isn’t very costly, and can help with better gas mileage.
• Belts and Hoses – If you aren’t a mechanic, this could be a little challenging however it can, in fact, be fairly simple. First thing is to search for cracks in the hoses, then press the tubes to see if they seem brittle. Hoses must feel really rubbery, if they feel fragile or have cracks you must replace them. Try to find leaks on your hoses, especially where they attach to various other parts. Lastly, check the belts to ensure they aren’t loosely connected or have missing notches. A busted belt and/or hose can promptly destroy your trip and your engine.
• Battery – Check to make sure the battery terminals are not corroded and that the +/- terminals are tight. If your vehicle starts slowly you may need a new battery.
• Brakes – Being able to stop your vehicle effectively is key in preventing collisions. Flushing your brake fluid, replacing the brake pads, and even obtaining brand-new rotors could be needed to have a safe car for your journey.

Before the Road Trip, Test Drive Your Car

You know your automobile better than anybody. Take it out for a fast spin to see if something really feels off. This isn’t a pleasure cruise so turn off the radio and concentrate. Does your car draw to one side when braking heavily? Does your AC blow cold air? If something feels a little off, you should have a certified technician take a look into it.

Schedule Your Road Trip Maintenance Today

Schedule your car’s road trip maintenance service at Porsche of Milwaukee North. We are your source for all your vehicle maintenance needs in the Milwaukee, WI area. Schedule an appointment by phone, in-person, or online today. Our specialists are ready to serve you!