Many people schedule vacations for the summer because the weather is better and the kids are out of school. Some people prefer to drive to their favorite vacation spot – it’s often less expensive, or they just want to take their time and enjoy the ride. However, a breakdown leaves you with memories you’d rather not have. Before leaving on a summer road trip, schedule an appointment for a pre-trip car inspection and do your preventative maintenance at the same time. Call Maxi Auto Repair and Service at our Hodges location at (844) 426-2861 for an appointment. We are conveniently located at 13700 Fario Road, Jacksonville FL 32224.
Pre-Trip Car Inspection at Maxi Auto Repair and Service
When you bring your vehicle in for a pre-trip car inspection, we’ll check:
- The tires for abnormal wear and other problems. Tires that are unevenly worn, have dry rot, or have a bubble, which indicates a separated tire, could blow out, causing you to miss out on several hours or even a day of traveling.
- Correct the tire pressure if necessary. Driving with too much or too little air pressure causes the tires to wear unevenly.
- Spare tire. If you do get a flat, you don’t want to be left stranded because your spare is also flat or dry-rotted.
- Brakes, including the brake fluid, pads, rotors, calipers, emergency brake and brake lines and hoses.
- Suspension and steering, including power steering fluid leaks, the rack, tie-rods, bushings, shocks, and struts. Having a loose suspension or steering could cause you to crash, as it is harder to control the vehicle.
- Fluids, including the coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, transmission fluid (where applicable) and oil. We’ll also check for leaks.
- Belts and hoses, including radiator hoses, bypass hoses, and heater hoses.
- Air conditioning. We’ll make sure the pressure in the air conditioning system is correct and that it’s blowing cold enough.
- Windshield wipers. You rarely think about the wipers until you need them. If you drive through a rainstorm, you’ll need them to work properly, especially on roads you are unfamiliar with.
- All vehicle lights, including turn signals, headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and any reflectors on the vehicle.
- Battery and alternator to ensure the alternator is charging and the battery is holding a charge.
- Seatbelts to ensure they are working properly.
Preventative Maintenance at Maxi Auto Repair and Service
Before you leave, check the mileage on your vehicle to determine whether you might hit a maintenance day while you are on the trip. If so, do the preventative maintenance before you leave so you don’t exceed the mileage.
Additionally, if you plan on driving more than 3,000 miles, change the oil before you go unless you just had it changed within the past month. If you’re not back before it’s time for the next oil change (that’s a lot of driving!), you’ll only have to change it once while you’re on the road.
If you are not sure what preventative maintenance you need at which mileage, contact the shop, and we’ll look up your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
Contact Maxi Auto Repair and Service
Before you leave on a road trip, schedule an appointment for a per-trip inspection to minimize the risk of breaking down while on your road trip. Call Maxi Auto Repair and Service at 1-904-992-6868 for an appointment. We are conveniently located at 13700 Fario Road, Jacksonville, FL. 32224.
