Road trips give you the chance to experience life outside the area where you live, to see beautiful scenery and landscapes, and to spend quality time with your family or friends. Before you embark, however, take some auto maintenance steps to ensure your car doesn’t break down in the middle of nowhere. To help you travel safely, here are some vehicle components to check before leaving for a long drive.

Crucial Auto Maintenance for Road Trips

1. Check Fluid Levels

Running out of fluids is a common cause of breakdowns, made more frustrating because it’s easily preventable. Before you leave, open the hood and check all the fluid levels in your vehicle, including the oil, coolant, windshield wiper fluid, and brake fluid. In addition to topping those fluids off if necessary, pack containers of them in the trunk so you’re prepared for an emergency.

2. Inspect the Tires

Having tires in good shape keeps you safe when driving over rough terrain such as winding mountain roads. Your tire tread will also protect you on icy and snowy roads or during heavy rainfall by preventing hydroplaning. Before you depart, inspect each tire to check whether the tread is deep enough to cover the head of a penny. If you can still see Abraham Lincoln’s head after inserting a penny in the thread, change your tires. Check your pressure gauge as well, which will alert you to leaks or other damage in case it’s low.

3. Service the Brakes

In addition to checking your brake fluid, you should ensure that your brake itself is operational to prevent accidents. Verify that your brake pads are at least a quarter of an inch thick, and replace them if they’re worn out. Go for a test drive before leaving for your trip and listen for any noises. If you hear squeaking sounds, it’s time to get your brake serviced.

For auto maintenance to prepare your Asian-import vehicle for an upcoming road trip, visit Precision Import Auto Service in the area of St. Louis, MO. Specializing in brands such as Honda, Acura, Toyota, Lexus, Kia, and Hyundai, they offer engine diagnostics, transmission services, brake repair, and other auto maintenance to keep all components of your vehicle working efficiently and safely. Learn more about what they fix by visiting them online, or call (314)842-1970 to schedule an inspection.