Summer is the time of year when many people hop in the car and hit the open road. Whether you have a destination in mind or your trip is all about the journey, you want to know your car is ready for a long drive. Before you pack up the car to take a long trip, you should bring it to Devoted Repairs so we can check it out, even if your car isn’t due for a NH state inspection.
Here’s what we’ll look at to make sure your car is ready for a road trip. Incidentally, these are many of the same things we check during a NH state inspection.
Tires and Suspension
- Tires: Tires are what keep you safely on the road, so we’ll check the tread depth and pressure.
- Spare Tire: You never know what might happen, so your spare tire should be ready if you need it. You should also have a kit of tools to change your tire if necessary.
- Suspension: The open road can be pretty bumpy, so your shocks, struts, and suspension need to be in good shape. We’ll also check your wheel alignment to ensure your car handles well.
Engine and Systems
- Fluids: We’ll check the levels of oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid and top up or change them as needed.
- Brakes: anything can happen on the open road, and you’ll want responsive brakes. We’ll check brake pads and rotors for wear and tear.
- Battery: You don’t want to be multiple days into a trip only to find that your battery is dead. We’ll check the battery for corrosion and that it can hold a charge.
- Belts and Hoses: many systems in your engine rely on belts and hoses. We’ll look for cracked or worn belts and hoses and replace them.
- Exhaust System: An exhaust system in good condition will keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.
- Cooling System: You don’t want your car to overheat mid-road trip. We’ll make sure your radiator is working and that you have enough coolant.
Cabin and Accessories
- Air Filter: Air filters can get clogged over time and need to be replaced to ensure airflow throughout the car.
- Air Conditioning: You don’t want to find out that your A/C doesn’t work when you’re stuck in traffic on a hot day. We’ll check it before you go so you can stay cool on your trip.
- Lights: You want to make sure you can see and be seen when you’re driving on unknown roads in the dark. We’ll check that your headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and blinkers are all working.
- Wipers: Streaky windshield wipers can compromise visibility. If yours are worn or nicked, we can replace them for you.
