Summer is the time for road trips and long vacations. It’s time to kick back and enjoy the open road and the beauty of this country with some select family and friends. But, before you head out it’s probably smart to make sure that you have all of your bases covered with regard to making sure that your car is ready for the trip. You wouldn’t leave before you’re ready, so don’t go before your car has been adequately prepared for the open road either.
One of the most important things to take care of before you leave for your trip is getting an oil change. Since the motor oil in your car is probably the most essential part of keeping your engine running smoothly, you’ll want to make sure that it is clean and topped off before you add tens or hundreds of miles on the open road. It’s a good idea to get your fluids checked and replaced if necessary when you do this as well. Any good local auto shop will see to it that they do this when they perform an oil change.
Another essential item to consider before you leave on that road trip is what you would do if you were caught with one of those not too uncommon automobile issues: the flat tire. Do you know how to change a tire on your vehicle? Do you have the equipment with you to do it? If not, make sure that you get all the parts that you need (usually they come with your vehicle). And also consult your car’s owner’s manual to make sure that you know how to change a tire. Practicing once or twice might not be a bad idea. If none of this sounds like something you want to deal with, you might consider joining a roadside assistance club like AAA.
Lastly, it is always a smart idea to get a tune up for your vehicle at your local auto shop before you head out for a road trip. These include an oil change, tire rotation if necessary, fluid check, air filter and more. Plus, you will have licensed technicians go over every inch of your vehicle to make sure that it is safe and ready for the extended mileage of the trip. Don’t neglect a good tune up at Fort Collins Foreign Car Service before your next big trip!