The sun is up, the sky is blue, and the open road lies straight ahead of you. As you and the three kids head down the highway you notice a car with steam coming out of the hood. You see a man walking with a gas can and one car jumping another. I guess they didn't read Folsom Auto Mall's summer road trip maintenance checklist. It's a comprehensive guide to ensure that your summer road trip is free from those annoying dashboard warning lights. So pay attention, take notes, or hit file print and follow this summer road trip maintenance checklist.
Replace wiper blades
Rubber wiper blades go bad over time. That’s just life. So if you see streaks or water that isn’t getting pushed away, replace the blades. You don't want to be in the middle of a summer storm trying to clear the windshield with last decade's wipers.
Top off the windshield wiper fluid
It’s the light that so many of us fail to turn off until it’s too late. Fill the windshield washer reservoir before your trip. It helps remove insects and other debris so you can see clearly. It's like Visine for your car.
Test and tighten the battery
Over time a battery can come loose and lose some juice. Take the time to tighten the connectors and get your battery tested. This should keep you fully charged so you can charge ahead with your trip.
Restock the emergency kit
Flashlight. Batteries. First-aid kit. Drinking water. Non-perishable snacks. Jumper cables. Emergency flares. Basic tool kit. Duct tape. Extra cellphone battery. Always be prepared.
Charge the AC
Take your car down to any of The Folsom Auto Mall’s dealerships and have the A/C tested and charged. We’ll also check the cabin air filter. The first step towards a cool and comfortable trip is a cool and comfortable car.
Check belts and hoses
Rubber drive belts power a lot of important things like the engine water pump and accessories such as the alternator and air conditioning compressor. You have to make sure you replace any that are cracked, or going bad. In many vehicles, you have to replace drive belts every 60,000 miles. Inspect and replace worn, brittle, or excessively soft hoses. Check for leaks around hose clamps and at the radiator and water pump.
Top off engine oil and other fluids
Check that the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid are all at the correct levels for safe operation. When you add fluids, it’s important to use products that meet the specifications recommended by the owner’s manual.
Check tires and tire pressure
In addition to checking the air pressure in each tire, take a good look and inspect them for damage. Finding a nail or a screw in your tire now is way better than finding one ”down the road.” Put a penny upside down into the grooves to check the tire tread. If you see the top of Lincoln's head, it might be time to buy some new tires. And always make sure you inflate the tires to the suggested PSI found in the owner's manual.
Check the brakes
Let's not take chances here and just bring your vehicle in for a brake inspection. If you want to do a little pre-investigating on your own, listen for grinding sounds or vibrations when applying the brakes. If you hear any of that, come see us right away. We'll check the brake system for fluid leaks; we'll also check for wear or damage to the brake pads, brake rotors, brake shoes and brake drums.
Remember our service team is here to help with any maintenance issue you need fixed before you embark on your big summer road trip. So go ahead, see the Grand Canyon, go visit your Great Aunt Betty or the nation’s biggest ball of yarn. Just make sure you follow our summer road trip maintenance checklist, and you’ll have a great time.
Oh, if you're thinking maybe this trip would deserve a new or used car, The Folsom Auto Mall has plenty of Buicks, GMCs, Dodges, Chryslers, Jeeps, Rams, Chevys, Toyotas, Hyundais, Kias, Nissans and Fords to choose from.