The Essential Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection for the Winter Holidays
Whether you’re taking a road trip within Louisiana or to nearby states or traveling up north, your vehicle must be up to the task. It’s crucial that you schedule and perform a pre-trip vehicle inspection to avoid unexpected breakdowns while on the road.
Let’s take a closer look at the critical elements that need to be inspected and serviced before going out on a trip this holiday season.
1. Oil Change
Motor oil is tasked with lubricating engine parts, cleaning the engine, reducing friction, moving heat away from the components, and more. Because of the number of jobs motor oil has to perform, it includes nutrients, additives, and surfactants.
However, those oil components are used over time, requiring vehicle owners to change or replenish the oil. Thus, make sure you schedule an oil change before you embark on a holiday trip.
2. Fluid Services
In addition to motor oil, your vehicle uses other fluids, such as coolant, transmission, brake, power steering, and windshield wiper fluids. Each fluid performs a task that affects the safety and performance of your vehicle.
Because of these fluids’ roles, make sure to include any manufacturer-suggested fluid services on your pre-trip inspection checklist. If any liquids are low, their levels should be restored to manufacturer specifications.
Sometimes, your car may need additional services, such as cooling system repair or HVAC services.
3. Brake Repair & Services
Your brakes must bring thousands of pounds of steel and rubber to a screeching halt on demand. With the amount of generated friction, specific brake components will need to be replaced and repaired at different intervals.
The brake pads are among the brake parts you should check during the pre-trip inspection. If they’re worn out, you need a brake pad replacement. In many cases, replacing the brake pads and rotors together is recommended.
Also, ensure no additional brake repairs are required before you hit the road for the holidays.
4. Wheel Alignment & Tire Services
Your tires must be up to the task whenever you hit the road. Failure to have regular tire inspections and services can increase the likelihood of an untimely blowout.
During the pre-trip inspection, pay attention to a few key tire health concerns:
- Do you have sufficient tire treads? If not, you should add tire replacement to your pre-trip inspection.
- Are you noticing uneven tire wear? If so, you may need a wheel alignment.
- Can you spot bald spots on your tires? If so, you may need new tires.
- Is your tire pressure in line with the manufacturer’s suggestions? If not, you should properly inflate or deflate your tires.
It’s important to know that your tire pressure will also decrease when the temperatures drop in Kenner, LA and other areas. You can expect a drop of one to two psi for every 10-degree decrease in temperature.
Contact CAMS Automotive for Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection in Kenner, LA
Before hitting the road for the holidays, ensure your vehicle is up to the task! If unsure what to check, have a professional do the seasonal pre-travel inspection.
At CAMS Automotive, we offer comprehensive pre-trip inspection services for virtually all makes and models. Our experienced mechanics will quickly and efficiently perform the inspection and communicate the results so that you can enjoy safe and happy holiday travels.
Call us today at (504) 461-9838, complete this online form, or stop by our shop at 901 Maria Street, Kenner, LA 70062.
