Pre-Road-Trip Maintenance Checklist
Road trips are an authentic American pastime for the summers. Simply grab a massive cooler, fill it up with refreshing drinks, load up your iPod with the best road trip tracks, and of course, check off the items on your pre-road-trip maintenance checklist. That's right, vehicle maintenance is important! Make sure to keep your Grand Cherokee in top shape.
To help you maintain your car prior to the trip, we, at Kelly CDJR, decided to share this check list for the people of Emmaus before they start hitting the roads early this June. Take out time to perform the following procedures, as they will take no more than a single afternoon and will ensure a safer and smoother trip.
Replacement of the air filters
Air filters need to be replaced fairly regularly; it's recommended that this should be done at least twice a year but the frequency depends on the area you live in. As the engine needs air to start and continue the combustion process, air filters ensures that the engine receives a fresh supply of it, free from debris and dust.
Flushing the radiator
The coolant you pour into your radiator doesn't last all year, and needs to be refilled regularly. Also, the compound the coolant is comprised of, begins to break down after a while and gradually corrodes the insides of the radiator. This will result in cooling problems and radiator damage. So both these aspects must be examined.
Check the tires
Summer road trips mean that your tires will be heating up immensely, and in some cases, pouring rain will make roads slick. Check the condition of the tires before beginning the trip. It would be even better if you ask a professional to judge the condition as well as the life of the treads and integrity of the tires. Check the pressure while you're at it as well.
Getting the brakes inspected
Summer heat causes stress to numerous components in your vehicle. Before setting out on the road, ensure that your brakes are in proper condition. Check the level of brake fluid as well.
Check the condition of your car battery
Winters are likely to cause a significant amount of corrosion to the terminals of your car battery. If carbon has collected on the terminals, scrape it off using a knife. Judge the condition of the cables as well, before hitting the road.
This checklist is simply the essentials of vehicle maintenance, so if your vehicle is known to cause other problems, get it inspected and serviced by a licensed mechanic. Visit Kelly CDJR in Emmaus for more tips on how to look after your vehicle.