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How to Check Your Car Before and After a Road Trip

How to Check Your Car Before and After a Roadtrip

To ensure your vehicle is ready for all of your summer adventures, here’s a run-down on how to check your car before and after a road trip.

Before Road Trip:

Check and Change Oil

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your oil and filter changed, don’t forget to do so before heading out on any adventure. If you don’t know how to do it properly, it’s worth leaving it to the pros to have it done for you.

Check Fluids

There are a lot of different fluids responsible for the operation of your vehicle. It is important that you check all of them, specifically the coolant as it can help prevent your car from overheating and breaking down. Brake fluids, windshield fluid, and steering fluid should all be topped off too.

Check the Air Pressure in Your Tires

The air pressure in your tires gets depleted on a daily basis. Without topping up the air to the correct level, it can make them wear out much faster. Always check the air pressure regularly, especially before going on a long road trip.

Check Tire Tread

While you’re topping up the air pressure, it’s a good time to check the tire tread too. Worn out tires are more susceptible to blowing out when on the road. If you don’t know how to check it, have a mechanic do it for you.

Check the Battery

Heat can directly impact your battery, causing it to die and leaving you stranded. If it’s been sounding rough or sluggish lately, or if it’s been a long time since you’ve had it checked, now is a good time to do it.

Check Lights and Signals

Prior to your road trip, ask someone to stand and watch your lights and signals while you switch them on to see if they’re working or need replacing.

After Roadtrip

Wash Your Car

Washing your car not only gets rid of all the dirt and road debris, but it also lets you take a closer look to see if your vehicle has endured any notable dents and scratches during your trip that should be dealt with now to prevent further damage.

Check Tires

Since long hauls during the summer can wear down your tires quickly, check the tread on your tires and air pressure once again to ensure your vehicle is safe when you head back out on the road.

Top Off Fluids

After a long road trip, your fluids will likely need to be topped off again. Make sure to refill them to the appropriate levels.

Test Brakes

Road trips give your car a good work out which is why paying attention to it once you return is important. This also includes retesting your brakes. If you notice anything wonky or irregular with the sound, take it in for maintenance.

If your Honda vehicle needs service, bring it into our Barrhaven Honda dealership to ensure it’s in the best condition before and after your road trips this summer. Contact us today to book an appointment!