The Japanese Auto Repair family wishes you and your family a fun and safe holiday weekend. If you’re one of the 42 million Americans taking a road trip this Thanksgiving, make safety your first concern before hitting the road. Read our tips before you drive.
Check The Tires
The most common vehicle component for failure is the tires. Road hazards that lead to a flat cannot always be avoided but you can prevent a lot of damage by having preventative maintenance done. Inspect your tires by looking over the condition of each tire. Are there signs of uneven tire wear? Are the tires properly inflated? Do you notice the tread is worn and needs replacing? Your vehicle may be due for a balance, rotation or alignment.
Keep the Cooling System in Check
The second most common vehicle failure is the cooling system. Your vehicle may be due to have the coolant exchanged or flush. This is the removal of old fluid that has become corrosive and is replaced with fresh, clean fluid that restores the effectiveness of your cooling system. This is a relatively inexpensive way to prevent issues with proper maintenance.
Don’t Forget the Transmission Service
Transmission service is very important before a road trip because transmission problems tend to take a lot of time and a good bit of money to get fixed. Don’t start your vacation or holiday off with replacing the transmission – have it serviced accordingly beforehand.
Have the Usual Done
An oil change, engine air filter replacement, fuel system cleaning and routine service intervals should be done to help improve your fuel economy. Spending less on gas always makes for a better road trip! Make sure to have these things done to improve all aspects of vehicle performance.
Go Sight Seeing
Before going on a road trip, always make sure your headlights and other lamps are in proper working order. Headlamps eventually lose their brightness and this is very important if you’ll be traveling at night or in inclement weather. Also, have your windshield wipers replaced so all things are in your sight during rain.
Other Variables
Power steering services, timing belt replacement, exhaust system and heater or air conditioning are things that can be easily checked for proper working order. Things like this do not have a light or bell that goes off when in need of service. Have your technician check these things to avoid harm to your passengers and your vehicle.
If you have a question for one of our technicians, or are ready to schedule service to your vehicle, please contact us!
