Automotive Maintenance Checklist for Road Trips

Safety Checklist for Road Trips

Okay, you’re ready to go over your vehicle with a fine-tooth comb, but where do you start? Your road trip checklist should concentrate on 3 main areas: Fluids, Wheels and Tires, and Maintenance. While not an exhaustive listing, if you extensively inspect these locations your chances of a nonstop road trip get better.

Fluids

• Oil – As we pointed out above, you’ll want to see to it that the oil has been changed recently.
• Transmission Fluid – Make sure to consult your owner’s manual to see how often it should be changed. If it’s overdue, you’ll need to change it.
• Radiator fluid – Ensure that your antifreeze is full for maximum performance and examine your owner’s manual to see if it needs to be changed.
• Brake Fluid – Having the ability to stop successfully can be the difference between a crash or not. If you are unsure, have it examined
• Wiper Fluid – If you’re going to be putting in some seat time you’re most likely to strike some bugs or various other road debris. Make sure your wiper fluid container is completely full to get the crud off. Wiper fluid is pointless without good wipers, so replace your wipers while you’re at it.

Tires

• Tire Tread – See to it there are no bald spots and that you have a lot of tire tread left. Double-check for any kind of punctures that need to be repaired. If they can not be fixed, change them.
• Air Pressure – Ensure that your tires are inflated to the correct pressure and that they all have the same pressure in each tire.
• Rotation – Ensure that your tires do not need to be rotated. Tires that aren’t balanced/rotated correctly can wear unevenly and have a bothersome vibration.
• Spare Tire – Whatever you check on your main tires, do it for your spare too.

Routine Maintenance Items

• Light Bulbs – Worn out headlamps and taillights can be a safety risk, so ensure they function normally. While you are at it, check your turn signal lights and parking lights. You can also upgrade to LED light bulbs for brighter light and reduced power consumption
• Air Filter – If you resemble the majority of us, your air filter needed to be changed years ago. It’s easy to do, isn’t really expensive, and can assist with better gas mileage.
• Belts and Hoses – If you aren’t a mechanic, this may be a little intimidating yet it can actually be fairly straightforward. First thing is to search for fractures in the hoses, then squeeze the tubes to see if they feel brittle. Hoses must feel really rubbery, if they feel really fragile or have splits you must replace them. Search for leaks on your hoses, especially where they link to various other components. Finally, checks the belts to make sure they aren’t loosely connected or have missing notches. A busted belt and/or hose can swiftly destroy your journey and your engine.
• Battery – Check to ensure the battery terminals are not rusted and that the +/- connections are tightened. If your car starts slowly you might require a new battery.
• Brakes – Being able to brake your car properly is key in avoiding collisions. Changing your brake fluid, changing the brake pads, and obtaining new brake rotors might be essential to have a secure car for your trip.

Before the Road Trip, Test Drive Your Car

You know your vehicle far better than anyone. Take it out for a quick spin to see if something feels off. This isn’t for fun so switch off the radio and concentrate. Does your automobile pull to one side when braking heavily? Does your Air Conditioner blow cold air? If something feels a little off, you should have an expert take a look into it.

Schedule Road Trip Maintenance Today

Schedule your car road trip maintenance service at BMW of Tulsa. We are your trusted source for all your vehicle maintenance needs in the Tulsa, OK area. Schedule an appointment by phone, in-person, or online today. Our mechanics are ready to serve you and your car or truck!