If you’re planning to take your car on the road this spring break, you’ll want to make sure it’s in top condition and give yourself peace of mind that it’s going to keep running smoothly as you travel.
But how do you know what maintenance work should come first?
It all depends on your vehicle and its age, but there are certain things all cars need before hitting the open road.
Use this Beck’s Auto Center Spring Break Checklist to make sure your car is ready for the trip!
Change oil
Changing your oil regularly ensures that your engine is running smoothly and will last longer. How often you change your oil depends on your car, so you’ll want to consult your owner’s manual to make sure it’s changed when it needs it.
Over time, old oil can affect fuel economy and even cause damage to critical engine parts. If you’re planning a road trip in your car, changing your oil now can save you a lot of money down the line—and save you some aggravation too.
Transmission fluid
Get a transmission fluid check-up from your local auto repair shop, Beck’s Auto Center. Take care of leaks or problems in your car’s transmission as soon as you can—not only is it expensive to fix a leak, but it can also cause damage that’s very pricey to repair!
Brake fluid
As you cruise over potholes and speed up to merge with traffic, your car is tested. You’ll want to ensure that your brake fluid hasn’t become too thin—over time, it can evaporate or get contaminated by water or dirt. Checking your brakes every spring should catch any problems before they occur. Have our trusted mechanics help you out if you don’t know how to check for yourself—or if they seem like they need replacing.
Air filter and Cabin Filter
It’s easy to overlook your car’s air filter, but replacing it is one of those important spring-time maintenance tasks that can affect the engine performance. You should replace or clean your air filter once a year or every 20,000 miles. It just takes a few minutes, so be sure to do it before you hit that long road trip in your vehicle. (Ask our experts at Beck’s Auto Center and we will help you out.)
You’ll also want to replace your cabin filter, as that regulates the air quality in your cabin (the air you breathe!).
Tire Pressure
Maintaining proper tire pressure not only helps you save on gas but also keeps your vehicle stable and safe to drive. With spring break right around the corner, it’s a good idea to have your tires checked and filled with air before hitting any interstates. If you find that one of your tires is losing air, get it replaced or patched up immediately.
Wiper blades
Most drivers aren’t clued in to how important their windshield wipers are…until they aren’t working! But they play a key role in safe, legal driving. In addition to checking your tire pressure and engine fluids (including transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and engine oil), you should also make sure that your windshield wipers are working properly.
Lights and turn signals
Don’t forget to check that your lights and turn signals are all working properly. Dim or burnt-out bulbs can be an expensive safety hazard if you find yourself in a traffic accident. And while you have your headlights on, be sure to check whether they’re clean enough to allow maximum visibility; sometimes a small amount of dirt can significantly reduce brightness, so wipe them down before hitting the road.
Battery Health Check
Your car’s battery is an important part of your vehicle’s operation, but batteries sometimes fail without much warning. Since many cars today use complex electronics and electrical components, a dead battery can mean big trouble (no lights, no air conditioning, you get it). Before you hit the road for spring break travel and all its activities—and potential delays—be sure to check your car’s battery levels.
Schedule an Auto Repair Shop Appointment in Lafayette, IN
Getting your car up to snuff in time for a long road trip is essential. Whether you’re taking a quick weekend trip or going cross-country, Beck’s Auto Center can help make sure your car is fully tuned up and ready to go before you hit the road.
We’ll fix any issues that may arise from use or neglect, ensuring that your vehicle has maximum safety for whatever roads you take. Call (765) 447-9459 to get spring break ready!