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Why invest time in a pre-trip car inspection? For those who are new to Manning The Wall, my job takes me to Fort Knox, Kentucky for about 6 weeks every Summer.
The drive is about 720 miles through Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the winding hills of West Virginia. It’s a good amount of stress for my old Mountaineer, so a pre-trip car inspection is in order.
Here is what I always check at a minimum: Fluids, Hoses & Clamps, Air Filter, Belts, and tires.
Fluids.
- Engine Oil.
This is the most basic, and anyone can do it. Even if the vehicle is not due for an oil change, one should check this prior to a trip of any length. Check the level and then get a sense if the oil is accumulating more dirt than normal. Clear oil on the dipstick is a good sign.
- Transmission Fluids.
Also easy to do. Transmission fluid does not get can the same attention as the engine oil, but it is still an important component of a vehicle’s performance.
- Coolant.
Ensure that the levels are adequate.
- Other Fluids.
Brake Fluid, Power Steering Fluid, and Windshield Washer Fluid all have easy to reach reservoirs inside the engine compartment. Check the levels.
Hoses and Clamps.
Engines transfer fluids and air between chambers. For peak efficiency, the integrity of the hoses and clamps is vital.
Air Filter.
It’s going to be dirty if you haven’t replaced it within the last 30 days. Replace it before the trip.
Belts.
Check for tightness, cracks, and missing teeth. One should replace every 40-60,000 miles.
Windshield Wiper Blades.
Among the most neglected when it comes to DIY basic maintenance. Fortunately they are easy to check. Is there wear and tear on the rubber? And most of all, do they work to push the water off evenly and cleanly?
Tires.
One of the biggest factors in terms of gas mileage is proper tire pressure. Low tire pressure is like throwing money out the car window. Make sure the tread is at least 2/32” deep. Use the upside down penny test. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace.
There is a lot of cross-pollination when it comes to safety checks for winter, ensuring the well being of one’s family, and taking a road trip. Cars.com has plenty of information.
For Emergencies.
A spare tire seems obvious, but a surprising number of us are riding around without a functioning one. Make sure your jack is in working order and ensure the presence of jumper cables and roadside reflectors or flares. Finally, make sure your phone charger is working. A working phone is always going to be your most useful tool in a tight spot.
My husband takes care of all the car stuff. We take lots of road trips and my husband always makes sure we change the oil before we head out on one.
So important especially if you are going very far. I always check my tires but I need to do better about checking the fluids.
You and me both, Merry. Tires are easy because they’re right there. Fluids, you have to pop the hood. [Sigh]
Thanks for the tips! Spring is just around the corner and my van is needing some pre-trip inspection done.
Thank you for all of this great information. I always wonder about the tire thread thickness and I love how you showed the penny. This way I won’t have to ask my son that question as he is an auto mechanic and probably just loves my questions. 🙂
These are all such great reminders. Nothing is worse than breaking down along some busy highway and you end up at the mercy of some unknown car repair shop. Some of which can be avoided if you just take a few precautions!
Well said, Desiree!
Great tips! The wipers are always the one I forget to check and end up struggling with a streaky window when I head over the pass!
Exactly Tracy. I am forever forgetting to change mine until it rains, and then I’m like “oh, yeah – next time I’m at Walmart.” LOL.
My dad made me learn about all of this before I was allowed to get my driver’s license. I’m so glad he did. I’ve needed this info several times over the years.
Oh these are for sure great tips! I sometimes forget to do a pre-trip car inspection and I know how costly that could be to neglect that. Glad you shared this reminder and step by step tips!
Before taking your car for a long drive inspection of car is the most important factor for a car owner from safety point of view. As engine is the heart of the car to keep it running so you should be sure this must posses it’s best condition to perform well on the road. Changing of engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant keep your engine from chance of breakdown. Maintaining the level of power steering fluid, brake fluid and windshield fluid provide better performance and helps to run on the road smoothly. So it is good to have your car inspection and maintenance at a good car repair shop https://www.remptmotors.com/service-2.html for getting effective result.
The motive of a pre-trip car assessment is to examine the working condition of the speed machine. Conducting a proper inspection allows you to review the functionality of various automotive components including- brake system, coupling system, reflectors, fluid level, tire tread and inflation level, steering system etc. Thus, it is recommended to inspect the vehicle thoroughly prior to leaving for the voyage in order to avoid the disaster like a runaway trailer. Honestly, I used to inspect my adorable Porsche- https://glenwoodforeigncar.com/porsche-repair/ each time I leave my residence for a long road trek.
Before leaving for a long road trip we must inspect all the parts of the car to avoid being stranded in the middle of the road. We must check the engine oil of the car before a trip even if the vehicle is not due for an oil change. Besides checking engine oil we should also check the transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid for smoother running of the vehicle on the road. For all these inspections we need good technicians from a certified auto repair shop, please contact:
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Just flunked this, last weekend. I knew I had a slow leak in my left front tire, but I didn’t check it before my return from Wisconsin to Maryland … and I ended up buying a set of Hobson’s-Choice tires in Rockford, IL. (They had 60,000 miles on them, and I’d have replaced them before the winter, anyways. But still….)
Thanks for informing the importance of vehicle inspection prior to leaving for a destination. The condition of different components of the vehicle should be inspected at a regular interval prior to leave for a destination. The condition of different components of the vehicle including different types of fluids used in the vehicle for the various purpose should be inspected. The main objective of such kind of inspection is to identify damaged or weaker components which have the potential to bring the vehicle to a halt during a road trip. Such kind of inspection would be more effective if conducted by experienced professionals. You may prefer to visit https://www.revolutionautomotiveservices.com/vehicle-inspections/
Unquestionably, fluids used in the vehicle should be inspected prior to leave for a long road trip. Lack of such fluid in the adequate amount could influence the performance of the vehicle during the trip. Lack of coolant could jeopardize the engine. So, the quality and quantity of the coolant should be inspected prior to leave for a destination. Deposition of debris also influences the efficiency of the cooling system of the vehicle. So, coolant flush is also essential to enhance the efficiency of the cooling system. Replacement of burned engine oil is also essential to prevent the breakdown of the engine during the road trip.