Savvy drivers know that maintaining their car year-round is the key to smooth, safe driving. There’s no better time to make sure your vehicle is up-to-date on its preventative maintenance than before a road trip. We can’t think of many things that are less relaxing than having your car break down before a well-deserved break! Rather than finding yourself stranded on the side of the road, get your vehicle road trip ready at Aarrow Transmission and Automotive. We’re proud to serve drivers throughout the Richmond area.
1. Check Your Tire Pressure, Tire Tread, And Spare Tire
One of the first things you’ll want to do is check your tires, which are critical for safety and fuel efficiency alike. Take a look for signs of wear-and-tear on the side walls, as well as proper tire pressure and tread depth. Your owner’s manual will tell you how much air your tires need. It’s easy to check your treads using either a penny or a quarter – simply place a coin into the grooves of your treads headfirst, and if you can see the top of the president’s head, your tires need attention. If you find that your tire tread is worn out or that your tires need help in other ways, give us a call! We have locations on either side of the James River for your convenience.
2. Check Oil Level or Get an Oil Change
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t waited too long between oil changes, but that doesn’t mean it’s something you should do. Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, and fresh oil helps to clean moving parts of an engine while dissipating heat to prevent a mechanical breakdown. Your vehicle depends on having the proper level and quality of oil to run properly, and making sure to stay on top of this can keep your car in better shape for longer. Depending on your vehicle’s condition, you may want to keep an extra quart of engine oil handy in case your oil level gets low. We can help you determine whether that’s the right choice for you.
3. Test Your Brakes and Brake Fluid
It goes without saying that properly functioning brakes are key to your vehicle’s safety. If your brakes are worn out, your stopping distance is increased and may result in an accident, especially when combined with highway fatigue. In order to avoid disaster, a brake check is vital. We can check your brake fluid level, which helps us to analyze the condition of your brake pads or identify a leak.
4. Inspect Your Battery
As anyone who’s needed a jump can tell you, your car’s battery does a lot more than start the vehicle. It also acts as a surge protector for the car’s computer and provides power for short-term use of things like lights, stereo, GPS, and wipers. If you’re not sure what to look for, some signs that your battery may need attention are corrosion on the connectors, a warped battery case, dim headlights, electrical issues, or a rotten smell under the hood. You may also notice that your Check Engine light is on. Whenever you notice any of these signs, you need to clean and test your battery. For assistance with your battery, including new battery installations, contact Aarrow Transmission. We can help Richmond area drivers at our South Richmond or Glen Allen location.
5. Take Note of Your Visibility
When you’re on the road, there’s a lot you can’t control. Things like severe weather, highway exhaustion, and distracted drivers can all impact your experience, and may even cause an accident. Making sure that your visibility is clear is the best way to minimize risks. First, make sure that your mirrors, windows, and windshields are all clean. Rubber windshield wiper blades degrade over time, so they typically need to be replaced every 6 months. Even if they’re new, it’s a good idea to wipe them down with a damp rag to remove any residue, ensuring a clean swipe. We also recommend you get washer fluid to keep the bugs at bay. Lastly, you’ll want to check headlights and taillights for brightness and clarity.
6. Make Your Drive Comfortable
Long drives are tough, so it’s important to make sure you’ll have everything you need to stay comfortable until you get to your destination. We recommend bringing along plenty of water and snacks, as well as a caffeinated drink or two to help keep your energy up! Scout out rest areas along your route to plan breaks for stretching your legs and using the restroom. Whether you like listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks during the drive, do yourself a favor and download them to your phone before you leave – you don’t want to run the risk of losing your entertainment when you pass through an area with bad reception. Although it isn’t pleasant to think about, you’ll also want to pack a first aid kit. You never know what could happen, and those items could make all the difference.
Are You Busy Planning, Shopping, and Packing? Bring Your Car To Us At Aarrow
No matter whether you’re driving cross-country or just headed to a weekend at the river, being prepared for your road trip will get your vacation started on the right foot. For the best preventative maintenance services in Richmond, bring your car to Aarrow Transmission. The crew at our South Richmond and Glen Allen locations will be happy to get your vehicle road-ready!
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