For a family vacation, why not drive to Yellowstone National Park? Are you looking for a Fourth of July getaway? You’ll share the road with millions upon millions of other excited road-trippers if you do.
You want your summer road trip to be as easy as possible. These five maintenance tasks will ensure that you arrive at your destination on time.
- MAINTAIN THE EXHAUST SYTEM.
Have you ever thought about checking the exhaust system of your vehicle? You don’t want to live in the middle of nowhere. An defective exhaust system can lead to poor fuel efficiency, reduced power, and improper venting of poisonous gases your engine produces.
To ensure a successful road trip, you should check your exhaust system if you hear engine noises such as popping or hissing. These noises could indicate problems with your exhaust system, muffler, tailpipe or catalytic converter.
If you don’t hear engine noises, Before you take a long trip, it is a good idea for a technician to inspect your exhaust system.
We advises that vehicles older than 5 years should have their exhaust systems checked every year by a professional, even if they don’t feel or sound bad.
It’s not worth the effort to fix a car that isn’t working during your vacation.
- ASSESS THE STEERING AND SUSPENSION.
A smooth drive is more than just keeping the kids happy. We have you covered! These family-friendly games are great for kids and adults alike.
Broken shocks or springs, loose steering parts, or damaged shocks and struts could cause a snafu in your summer plans. This can also lead to vehicle swaying, bouncing, or other problems that can make it a bumpy ride.
To ensure smooth travel to your destination, make sure you consult a professional before you take to the roads.
- EXAMINATE THE TIRES AND ALIGNMENT.
Route 66 is a great place to get your groove on. There is no flat tire.
Drivers call roadside assistance most often when they have a flat tire. Ask a qualified technician to examine your alignment and tires, including your spare, in order to prevent an unfortunate flat-tire situation.
A tire inspection includes, among other things:
- Tire Pressure: Does your tire pressure match what is recommended by your owner’s manual. A tire that is too low or high can cause a number of problems, including a bumpy ride, excessive wear and overheating, as well as tire blowouts.
- Tire Wear Is the tread on your tires in good condition? Are your tire wear patterns uneven? If the tread is not deep enough or too worn to provide traction, you can’t rely on your tires.
An inspection of your tires could reveal misalignment that can reduce the life expectancy and fuel efficiency.
- GIVE YOUR BRAKES AN EXCHANGE.
Your car’s braking system is one the most important safety features. It can also overheat, just like other parts of your car, and pose a risk to your family, especially if it hasn’t been serviced in awhile.
Before you and your family get in the car, make sure that the brake system is in top shape. It’s impossible to predict what conditions you will encounter while driving long distances, whether it be animals crossing desert roads or city traffic.
An extensive brake inspection can help to identify warning signs such as grinding, squeaking and steering-wheel shaking. The brake pads, brake rotors and drums, brake fluid, and hoses are all examined.
- GENERAL MAINTENANCE –
You don’t need to overlook small issues that could cause a problem on your summer road trip. A trained technician can inspect your car’s:
- Fluid levels such as engine oil or coolant
- Spark plugs
- Air filters, fuel and cabin
- Batteries charged
These five maintenance tasks will ensure that you can enjoy your summer road trip. Pro tip? Pro tip: Get a Complete vehicle inspection from Firestone Complete auto Care. We’re also available to help you if you have any questions. There are more than 1,700 locations in the country.
