May 28, 2022
Photo by marioschmidtphoto via Pixabay
Before You Hit the Road: Car Maintenance Tips for Your Summer Trip
Long, hot summer days often call for a road trip. Whether you will be traveling with children or taking a long solo trip to a place on your bucket list, the first thing you need to do is make sure your car is in road-worthy shape. Failure to do a quick mechanical once-over before you leave puts you at risk of being stranded. To ensure safe travels, Mercedes-Benz of Littleton offers a few preventative measures you need to take!
Check the fluids
This is one of the simplest steps in car maintenance. You can check your oil levels and oil change due date right in your driveway. In your car’s driver’s manual you will find a list of manufacturer-recommended oil change intervals. If you are close to what is listed in your manual, take your car to be serviced. If you will be traveling long distances or pulling a trailer, it is recommended that you use a synthetic motor oil. This type of oil will cut friction losses in the engine, boost your fuel economy (which will save you money on a long trip), and give you extra protection against thermal breakdown.
Don’t forget about the other reservoirs in your car, namely the transmission and differential fluids. Your transmission and drive axle have their own lubricant supply, and the fluid change intervals can be found in your manual. The intervals between these reservoirs tend to be longer than those for engine oil. Just as with a standard oil change, a regular oil change shop can make sure all your fluids are topped off to where they need to be.
Brake system
Brake fluid is a hygroscopic mineral oil that attracts and absorbs moisture. Aged brake fluid is the color of maple syrup and it can rust your brake components. Be sure to observe the color of the brake fluid in your reservoir, and make sure that it is up to the full mark. If it has been a few years since you’ve had a flush, now would be the time to get one. It’s also wise to inspect your brake rotors as well. Aged rotors can become warped, jeopardizing your safety due to loss of effectiveness, so make sure they are replaced with the best available brake rotors.
Check the battery
Asking for someone to assist you with jumping the battery of your car is a less than ideal situation when traveling. To ensure that this doesn’t happen to you, check that the terminals on the battery are corrosion-free and the positive and negative leads are tight. If your starter sounds sluggish, it’s usually because of corrosion or a dying battery. If there is white, chalky stuff on the terminals, be sure to clean it off with a wire cable brush, which can be purchased at your local auto parts store. In many cases it’s better to go ahead and replace your battery to ensure you avoid a breakdown.
Tire pressure
Your tires are in direct contact with the road, so it is important to make sure they are in the best condition to withstand the trip. You can find the appropriate tire pressure number listed either on your driver’s side door, glove compartment or gas tank door. Purchase a gauge at an auto parts store, and check your tire pressure before you hit the road. If you need air, just top it off at a gas station or tire service center. Low tire pressure wastes gas and causes your tires to run hotter due to friction, which can lead to a blowout.
The only thing standing between you and the great wide open is a good round of car maintenance, so it makes sense to learn everything you can about car care and maintenance. Be safe by making sure your car is up to standard so you can focus on enjoying your trip and getting the most out of your vacation. Safe travels!
This article was brought to you by Mercedes-Benz of Littleton, serving the greater Denver area for over 20 years. We have a vast inventory of new Mercedes-Benz for sale with exceptional lease and financing offers. For more information, contact us today!
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