Visit Your Automotive Repair Shop Before You Start Your Road Trip

With the arrival of the nice weather, perhaps you are contemplating a road trip this summer. Exploring the highways and country roads in your own area of the country is a great way to get away, without much hassle.

Of course, you will not be relying on other modes of transportation such as a taxi to the airport, or those large-winged birds that carry us across the ocean to other countries. You will be depending on your own vehicle, so now’s the time to get it ready.

Whether you are a “hands-on” type of person, or someone who would like to leave things to the professionals, here are some basics that need to be covered. If you are handy, and have a garage and access to the essential tools necessary, then go for it. If not, take a list to your local auto repair shop and have a mechanic do the honors.

Your cooling system is one of the things you might forget to check. Often your air conditioner won’t have been used for some months in the winter, so you want to make sure it is working. An AC break down can make for a really unpleasant trip.

Now’s the time to top up all the essential fluids that keep your auto purring like a kitten. Get your ownership guide out of the glove box and learn how to check and add what’s needed. You may want to switch to a thicker oil to counteract the thinning effect of the hot summer weather. That way you’ll be assured the engine’s parts are adequately protected.

Make sure your auto repair guy checks the brake, power steering, transmission, and differential fluids. Top up your windshield wiper reservoirs, and consider taking an extra bottle along with you. There is nothing worse that driving into the sun and straining to see through a bug-spattered windshield.

Radiator coolant is really important too. Once again your auto repair shop will know the right mixture to use in your radiator, so make sure to tell them to top it up. Check your vehicle’s operating manual for directions on changing fluids. It should tell you how to do it and what fluids to use.