Summer is fully here with its hot temperatures. Many people are still planning to head out for a fun summer road trip. It's not too late to take your car into your auto center for recommended auto service before leaving home. Even small problems can turn your fun trip into a frustrating experience.
Here are four simple tips provided by a trustworthy auto center that can help prevent an unexpected breakdown while on the road:
- Make sure all recommended auto service is up-to-date: Your vehicle’s owner's manual lists the type of auto service that is recommended specifically for your vehicle. If any of them are due while you are on your trip (such as an oil change), have it taken care of before leaving on your trip. Your owner’s manual also gives instructions on how to use special features on your vehicle, such as using an overdrive when you tow a trailer, how to change a tire, or how to jumpstart a battery.
- Pay attention to signs of potential problems? If you feel unusual vibrations or hear irregular noise, or if your car starts to “drift” to the side of the road, head to your auto center so it can be taken care of before it turns into an emergency situation.
- Have a pre-trip inspection. It should include:
- Oil—Have the oil changed if it is due while you are gone.
- Tires—Have the tires rotated, alignment and balance checked, air pressure adjusted, and tread wear checked. Don’t forget the spare.
- Car battery—it should have a strong charge. Make sure the alternator is doing its job of keeping it charged.
- Check all fluids and top-off as needed.—coolant, brakes, steering, transmission, windshield cleaner.
- Air filter—Have it replaced if it has reached the recommended mileage interval for auto service.
- Horn—for use in an emergency situation, it should be loud and clear.
- Windshield wipers—have replaced if they are older than six months.
- Lights—replace any burned out or broken bulbs
- Make sure your air conditioner is keeping you cool.
- Pack an emergency kit—First aid kit, roadside flares, an extra quart of oil, extra fuses, flashlight, multipurpose tool, tire inflator and jack, a few rags, pocket knife, phone charger, bottled water, a blanket, and some snacks.
Looking for a trustworthy auto center before your summer road trip? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about recommended auto service and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
Summer is fully here with its hot temperatures. Many people are still planning to head out for a fun summer road trip. It's not too late to take your car into your auto center for recommended auto service before leaving home. Even small problems can turn your fun trip into a frustrating experience.
Here are four simple tips provided by a trustworthy auto center that can help prevent an unexpected breakdown while on the road:
- Make sure all recommended auto service is up-to-date: Your vehicle’s owner's manual lists the type of auto service that is recommended specifically for your vehicle. If any of them are due while you are on your trip (such as an oil change), have it taken care of before leaving on your trip. Your owner’s manual also gives instructions on how to use special features on your vehicle, such as using an overdrive when you tow a trailer, how to change a tire, or how to jumpstart a battery.
- Pay attention to signs of potential problems? If you feel unusual vibrations or hear irregular noise, or if your car starts to “drift” to the side of the road, head to your auto center so it can be taken care of before it turns into an emergency situation.
- Have a pre-trip inspection. It should include:
- Oil—Have the oil changed if it is due while you are gone.
- Tires—Have the tires rotated, alignment and balance checked, air pressure adjusted, and tread wear checked. Don’t forget the spare.
- Car battery—it should have a strong charge. Make sure the alternator is doing its job of keeping it charged.
- Check all fluids and top-off as needed.—coolant, brakes, steering, transmission, windshield cleaner.
- Air filter—Have it replaced if it has reached the recommended mileage interval for auto service.
- Horn—for use in an emergency situation, it should be loud and clear.
- Windshield wipers—have replaced if they are older than six months.
- Lights—replace any burned out or broken bulbs
- Make sure your air conditioner is keeping you cool.
- Pack an emergency kit—First aid kit, roadside flares, an extra quart of oil, extra fuses, flashlight, multipurpose tool, tire inflator and jack, a few rags, pocket knife, phone charger, bottled water, a blanket, and some snacks.
Looking for a trustworthy auto center before your summer road trip? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about recommended auto service and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
