The spring is a perfect time to prepare for those long car trips to visit loved ones and friends and family across the country. While you’re likely to pack plenty of items to make the long road ahead more bearable for you and the kids, you also need to make sure the car itself is ready for the trip. Here are some car maintenance tips to keep in mind ahead of your road trip.

Schedule a Service Appointment and Professional Inspection

Holiday Car Buying Guide

If you have time, the most effective way to make sure your car is prepared for a long road trip is to schedule an appointment with a professional. There may be something going on under the hood that only a trained eye will recognize, such as an engine belt starting to fail. Auto repair shop pros will be able to let you know in advance if there is any particular area that is cause for concern, like the quality of your brakes or if your tires are too worn down.

Check All Fluids

If you don’t have time for a full inspection, the least you can do is make sure that all important fluids in your car are ready to go, and that’s more than just the gasoline. If it’s been a while since you’ve changed your oil, this might be a good time to do it. Don’t forget to check your antifreeze levels and top off your windshield wiper fluid while you’re at it. There are tools available at just about any auto parts shop that can help you do these things yourself if you don’t have time for an appointment.

Check Tire Air Pressure

When you find yourself filling up your gas tank ahead of the trip, you might want to also swing around to the air pump that many gas stations have available. Check your car’s manual to find the optimal amount of tire pressure and make sure all four wheels are as they should be. Also, don’t forget to top off the spare tire in the back.

It will be no use to you if it doesn’t have any air in it in the event of an emergency. Before heading out to the open road on a long road trip this holiday season, make sure that your vehicle is ready for the task ahead. Get your car professionally inspected if possible, or at the very least make sure you check all vehicle fluids and make sure your tire pressure is set properly. For more car maintenance tips, reach out to a local auto shop today.

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