Maintenance Tips for an Uneventful Road Trip

If you’re planning a trip to grandma’s house in the upcoming holidays, you should make sure your car is well maintained before you go. Taking the time before you leave to make sure your car is in good working order will save you time and frustration while on the road. Here are four things you should check before you head out on a road trip in the upcoming holiday season.

1.      Your Tires

Make sure your tires have adequate wear left, have been rotated at the appropriate intervals, and are properly inflated. You can check the tread depth with a penny. Put it in between the treads with Lincoln’s head facing you and upside down. If the tread doesn’t at least touch the top of his head, you need new tires. As for the air pressure, your car’s manual should guide you to the right number.

2.      How’s Your Battery?

When was the last time you got a new battery? Have you ever had the battery life checked? Your automotive repair center will check your battery for free. They can tell you its expected remaining life or recommend replacement. You don’t want to be stuck in a parking lot unable to start your car on a holiday.

3.      Brake Check

Sometimes holiday travel means sitting in stop and go traffic. That puts a lot of wear on your brakes. If yours are squeaking or it’s taking you longer than it did to come to a complete stop, you probably have an issue with your brakes. Let your automotive repair center check your brakes and recommend the right repair.

4.      Fluids

Some fluids are essential to keeping your engine running and others are nice to have. If you haven’t checked your fluid levels and had them topped off or even different parts of your engine flushed, it might be time to do so. If one of the critical fluids are too low, your engine can seize up. Let your automotive repair center check and refill yours before you go.

If you don’t have an automotive repair center you trust to provide auto repair and proactive maintenance, call Oldsmar Automotive. We’re local and trusted as members of AAA and we employ ASE® Certified Master Technicians. We’re located at 3166 Tampa Road or you can schedule an appointment online or by calling 727-784-3501.