Are you preparing to drive out of town for a family vacation or perhaps for business? This is a great opportunity to do a thorough safety check of your vehicle. Safety is our highest priority, and we know that you feel the same way. No one wants to experience car trouble while on a family trip. But to make things go smoothly, an ounce of prevention goes a long way.
Some people wonder if they can rely on their car to take a long trip if it has high mileage. We prove to our customers time and time again that they can rely on their car, if it is well maintained. Thats our job, and we wont let you down.
Our expert technicians perform a thorough, professional safety inspection on nearly every vehicle that passes through our shop. But every driver needs to know the basics, and learn how to spot signs of potential trouble. Here is a list some of the most basic safety checks that you should keep in mind. Keep in mind that to do these checks routinely could save you from headaches and worry about your car even when you are not travelling. These recommendations are easy to perform and can save you in more ways than one.
The first thing you want to do is check all fluid levels. Park your vehicle on level ground and turn your engine off. Start with the engine oil, check brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid. Make sure you don’t forget your windshield wiper fluid and engine coolant.
This is a good opportunity to check the condition of your engine hoses too. Check for cracked or brittle rubber, or for leaky connections. For instance, if there was a leak in the engine coolant it would overheat the car, causing potentially severe damage to your engine. This check is best done after your engine has had a chance to cool off, preferably overnight.
Next you want to check the wear on your tires and make sure you have the right tire pressure. This is especially important in Arizona. At Mikes Auto we will be happy to rotate your tires as this will help with their longevity and will definitely help your budget.
The next item to check is the Serpentine Belt. This belt is connected to the drive pulley of the engine. The car will not operate if this belt fails. A simple visual inspection will go a long way to make sure this belt is in good condition.
Check your headlights, turn signals and your horn. Enlist a buddy to check all lights as you turn them on and off. This is not only a safety matter, as broken lights create an excuse for law enforcement to pull you over. Who wants to complicate their family vacation with such an experience.
Lastly check your wiper blades, make sure they are not cracked or dry.
There is no substitute for driving with peace of mind, knowing that your car has been checked out and it is safe and roadworthy. If you feel pressed for time or are unsure about any of these procedures, we at Mikes Automotive would be delighted to perform a professional, comprehensive safety inspection on your vehicle.