Every time you take your car out on the road, you’re taking a bit of a risk. Will everything be working as it should? Are there any potential problems that could crop up and cause trouble? The best way to mitigate these risks is to come in for a pre-trip inspection each and every time before you set out. This only takes a few minutes, but it can save you a lot of time, money, and hassle down the road. Let’s take a look at what exactly you should be doing during a pre-trip inspection.
Checking Your Tires
One of the most important aspects of any car is its tires. They’re your only point of contact with the road, so it’s crucial that they’re in good condition. Before setting out on any trip, we’ll take a look at all four of your tires and check for the following:
- Tire pressure:
- Tread depth:
- Damage:
Checking Your Fluids
Another crucial component of your car is its fluids-engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Each one serves an important purpose and needs to be at the correct level in order for your car to run properly. We will check each fluid level using the dipsticks (usually located under the hood) and top off as necessary using the proper type of fluid your vehicle requires.
While we’re under the hood, we’ll also take a look at your car’s engine air filter. A clogged air filter will reduce fuel efficiency and acceleration so it’s important to replace it when necessary-usually every 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first).
Checking Your Lights
It’s important to have fully functioning headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights, and hazard lights whenever you’re driving-not only for your own safety but for the safety of other motorists as well. Before heading out on any trip (even if it’s just during the daytime), we will perform a visual check of all its lights to make sure they’re working properly. If any bulb has burned out, we will replace it with a new one as soon as possible so you won’t get pulled over (and possibly get fined!) for having non-working lights.
A pre-trip inspection may seem like an unnecessary step but trust us-it’s worth taking the few minutes required to bring it in to us before hitting the road. By checking things like your tires, fluids levels, and lights ahead of time, you can avoid potential problems down the line and rest assured knowing that your car is in tip-top shape before embarking on whatever journey lies ahead!