Going on a Road Trip? 7 Things to Have a Mechanic Check Before You Go
When preparing for a road trip around Minneapolis, MN, or other surrounding areas, your mind is likely more focused on where you're going, accommodations, what to pack, and the like. Your reliable car is often the last thing you want to imagine hindering your plans.
However, truly, the last thing you want is a breakdown. Be prepared and consider seven things to have a mechanic check before you go on a road trip.
1. Check Your Tires
One of the most common problems on a road trip is a blown tire. Before you leave, have your mechanic check your tires for wear and tear and ensure that they are properly inflated. You also want to ensure there are no punctures or tears and that you have enough tread on the tires to get to your destination safely.
It's a good idea to do a road trip check a few weeks before you leave in case you need something replaced. Here are a few things to have your mechanic look at:
- Underinflation or overinflation
- Uneven wear
- Cupping or scalloping
- Flat spots
- Vibrations
- Bent wheel
- Alignment issues
- Punctures and tears
- Bald tires
2. Are Your Brakes Worn?
Worn tires are a common issue, but worn brake pads can put a damper on your road trip. Depending on where you're going and if you're towing, brakes might be the single most important thing to check. Brake pads typically last between 25,000 and 70,000 miles, so if yours are in that territory, having your mechanic check these before you go is a good idea. Here are some common brake issues:
- Brake light on
- Low brake fluid
- Squealing or squeaking
- Grinding noises
- Wobbling, vibrating, or pulsing when braking
- Leaking fluid
- Soft or spongy brakes
- Car pulling to one side when braking
- Burning smells
3. Get Your Battery Tested
If you live in a cold place like Minneapolis, MN, the weather can do a number on your battery. Most batteries last around three years; if yours is older than that or if you've noticed any rough starts, you might need a new battery. Some battery problems can be repaired, so the best method is to get your battery tested and ensure that it still has life left. Common battery issues include:
- Corrosion
- Low battery fluid level
- Slow to start
- Frequent jump starts
- Old battery
- Faulty alternator
- Cold temperatures
4. Check and Top Off Fluids
If you're close to your next oil change, it's generally a good idea to get it done shortly before your road trip. Depending on how many miles you plan to travel, you might go past your oil change interval if you cut it too close.
Other important fluids to have checked and topped off, if necessary, include your coolant, wiper fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. Here's a complete list of fluids to have checked:
- Brake fluid
- Engine coolant (antifreeze)
- Power steering fluid
- Radiator coolant
- Transmission fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
- Engine oil
- Differential fluid (if applicable)
- Hydraulic clutch fluid (if applicable)
5. Are Your Lights and Wipers Working?
You don't want to get stuck somewhere without a light working or in the rain if your wipers are worn. Have your mechanic check all your lights to ensure that they're working properly. This includes headlights, taillights, and turn signals. If your windshield wipers are worn and rain is in the forecast, it's also a good idea to get these replaced. Common wiper issues:
- Streaking or skipping
- Torn wiper blades
- Scraping
- Cracking
- Noisy
- Broken wiper arm or motor
Common light issues:
- Burnt out bulbs
- Blow fuses
- Dim lights
- Dirty or corroded socket
- Cracked headlights, taillights, or blinkers
- Flasher relay failure
- Malfunctioning switch
- Wiring issues
6. Check Your Air Filters
You may not realize your modern car has multiple air filters. Most modern cars have cabin and engine air filters. It's a good idea to get both checked before a road trip. This is especially true if you're planning to visit dusty areas or go off-road. An engine air filter typically only needs to be replaced once a year, but it also depends on your driving habits. Here are common filter issues:
- Decreased fuel economy
- Strange noises
- Decreased performance
- Black smoke or flames in the exhaust
- The smell of gas in the exhaust
- The air filter looks dirty
- Check engine light comes on
7. Service Your AC System
Last but not least, your vehicle's AC system should be added to your road trip checklist. A summer road trip can get miserable fast if your AC isn't working properly. Have your mechanic take a look at your AC system and service it if necessary. Your AC might be suffering from issues like:
- Dirty air filter
- Needs to be recharged
- Blown fuse
- Bad clutch
- Refrigerant leak or hole
- Dirty condenser coils
- Thermostat issues
- Failing fans
- Clogged condensate drain
- Capacitors
For the best results, it's a good idea to make an appointment with your mechanic a few weeks before you go on a road trip. That ensures that the shop has enough time to make repairs if necessary. Immediately before your trip, check your fluids and tire pressure. Safe travels!