There is nothing like the freedom of the open road while on vacation — windows down, music up, adventure! Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or a family gathering on the other side of the state, you rely on your car to get you there safely and comfortably. But a single breakdown, flat tire, or flashing check engine light is all it takes to derail a dream trip and turn it into a nightmare.
We understand your car needs to be road-trip ready at America 1st Automotive. Here, before you hit the highway, are additional smart tips and maintenance steps that can help ensure your car doesn’t become an unwanted detour on your vacation.
Of course, you can always get your car checked ahead of time to avoid any surprise breakdowns. A pre-trip inspection also involves reviewing your brakes, tires, fluids, belts, hoses, battery, and other essential components. Here at America 1st Automotive, we provide thorough multi-point inspections to keep you safe from road-trip fiascos.
Completing this with at least a week to spare before your trip allows you to address any necessary problems or maintenance issues without feeling rushed.
Tires are the front line of defense on the road. Underinflated or worn tires fail more often, especially when driving long distances at higher speeds on highways or in hot summer weather. Be sure to:
The number of times vacation plans are derailed by a tire problem is one of the highest, and can also be one of the easiest to avoid.
Understanding Oil Weight or ViscosityIf your check engine light, brake warning light, or oil pressure light is already on before you step out the door, don’t count on it magically disappearing. These warnings may indicate a more serious problem that worsens the longer you drive. Our mechanics can diagnose dashboard lights and repair them for you so you can return to the road without hesitation.
All cars rely on various fluids to function efficiently—a task that becomes even more crucial when your vehicle is under stress, such as during a road trip. A few of these should be clean and complete before you head out on vacation:
But even for the best-prepared drivers, there’s a risk of hitting a snag you might not anticipate. Build a comprehensive emergency kit, including:
It’s small, but it can make a significant difference if something goes wrong.
There is no reason to waste precious vacation time over a vehicle issue. With a bit of preparation and preemptive care, you can avoid expensive setbacks and enjoy each mile of your ride. At America 1st Automotive, we are committed to helping you keep your car road trip-ready. Swing by before you embark on your journey and have our ASE-certified techs inspect your vehicle to ensure it’s as ready for your vacation as you are.
Your trip should be memorable — and for all the right reasons. Let’s keep it that way.