Travel Tips

Nothing goes with cars better than a road trip! When you become free from your daily schedules,
and experience the open road – it’s an awesome feeling! But there’s nothing like having
car problems to bring that great road trip fun to a grinding halt. You can read more details about our travel tips below, but here is a list of things to do before you travel:

  • Check the engine oil
  • Check the transmission & differential fluids
  • Inspect the engine hoses
  • Check the engine coolant levels
  • Ensure your tires are inflated and the treads are good
  • Make sure your brake system is reliable
  • Check the battery

Preparing for travel

Engine Oil

Check your oil levels and the date you’re due for an oil change. If you’re close to the manufacturer-recommended oil-change interval listed in your manual (you do read your manual, don’t you?), then go ahead and change it. Be sure to use the correct grade of high-quality name-brand motor oils to protect the life of your engine while also maintaining optimum fuel economy to help save you money in fuel costs.

Transmission and Differential Fluids

Did you forget about the other fluid reservoirs in your car? Both your transmission and drive axle have their own lubricant supply. Check your owner’s manual for their change intervals. They are usually quite a bit longer than those for engine oil, but if your car has over 75,000 miles and you’ve never checked or changed these other lubricants, it’s time to get busy.

Hoses

Look for bulges or blisters in hoses, which indicate a weakness in the wall. If your hoses have cracks or blisters, replace them. It’s easier to do it now than in the 112-degree heat of Death Valley. As a precaution, buy a hose-patch kit at the local auto parts store to keep in the glove compartment.

Engine Coolant

New vehicles come equipped with engine coolant designed to go 100,000 miles. If your car is less than four years old, just check that the under-hood coolant reservoir—usually a clear plastic bottle that says “engine coolant” on the cap—is topped off. Not all coolants are the same and it’s not a good idea to mix them, so be sure to use the same coolant type that is already in the engine. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct type.

Tire Pressure and Tread

Low tire pressure can decrease fuel economy, but more important, may cause the tire to run hotter from the extra friction, leading to a blowout. Most people believe the appropriate tire pressure is listed on the tire itself. But actually, the number on the tire is the maximum amount of pressure the tire can hold. Look on your driver’s side door, in the glove compartment or on the fuel filler door for the recommended tire pressure. Before you hit the road, be sure to check the pressure in all four tires using a good gauge (available from your auto parts store). If it is too low, an air hose is usually available at most gas stations. It’s also important to look at the tread on all four tires to make sure they’re not too worn or unevenly worn. If your tires are questionable in terms of wear, or have a bubble in the sidewall from a recent bounce against a curb, it’s best to install new tires now rather than take a chance on them wearing out while you’re on the road.

Brake System

Brake fluid classified by the government as DOT3 or DOT4 (most brake fluid, in other words) is a hygroscopic mineral oil, meaning that it attracts and absorbs moisture. As it ages, it turns the color of maple syrup and begins rusting out your brake components. Rusted brakes, by the way, are bad. Check your brake reservoir for the color of the fluid and make sure that it is topped off up to the full mark. If you haven’t had a flush in the last two or three years, get one before you leave. While you’re at it, go ahead and have your brake pads and rotors checked, replacing them if they’re worn so you can stop on a dime in an emergency situation.

Battery

Have your electrical system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your battery is more than four years old, it might be a good idea to replace it before your trip. Check the battery condition visually. If you see any leaks, cracks or any other damage, do replace the battery. Make sure the battery terminals are tight and not corroded.