Few things are more exciting than a summer road trip—think Griswold family’s cross-country drive in National Lampoon’s Vacation. If you’re planning some summer road trip fun, it’s vital your vehicle is up to the task at hand. If it’s not, your summer fun could quickly turn into an expensive hot nightmare. To prevent the latter from occurring, the team at Iowa City Tire & Service in Iowa City, IA, suggests you schedule preventative maintenance and a pre-trip car inspection. Here are some fundamental ways to ensure your summer fun is just that —fun!
Schedule a Battery Inspection in Iowa City, IA
While you and your family may be ready to hit the road, is your battery? Your battery is required to provide the charge you need to get started. The last thing you want or need is your battery going out on you while you’re away from home. Instead of leaving this to chance, it’s best to have preventative maintenance and schedule a battery inspection. It’s always cheaper and easier to inspect and replace your battery and damaged cables than calling a tow truck and purchasing a battery on the road.
Wheel Alignment in Iowa City, IA
Most people are surprised to learn wheel alignment has little to do with the actual wheel. Instead, wheel alignment involves the adjustment of your suspension system. While out-of-alignment tires may not seem like a big deal, it is! One of the most notable dangers of not having wheel alignment is the risk you expose yourself, your family, and others to. Specifically, driving around on tires that need alignment can compromise your ability to steer and maneuver, especially in emergency situations.
In addition, wheels that are out of alignment will wear faster, which can have a negative effect on your wallet. It can also negatively impact your overall ride quality. Fortunately, the fix is simple! Schedule a pre-trip car inspection to gauge your suspension and have wheel alignment if necessary.
Tire Inspection in Iowa City, IA
If you’re about to put some miles on your tires, you should be certain they are in good working order. A tire inspection is a simple and cost-effective way to ensure your tires are up to the task. Whether you do it yourself or schedule a pre-trip car inspection at Iowa City Tire & Service, your tire inspection should include:
- Tread analysis ensures you have sufficient tread. Driving around on tread-bare tires can increase the likelihood of a blowout and compromise your ability to stop.
- Air pressure inspection ensures you have the right amount of air in your tires. Too little or much air can create a dangerous situation and expedite tire wear.
- General tire wear inspection ensures no cracks, bulges, or noticeable signs of wear are on your tires. Cracks and bulges are precursors to unexpected tire blowouts.
Check All of Your Vehicle's Fluids
Similar to humans, your vehicle relies on fluids to perform and function. Because of this, your pre-trip preventative maintenance should include an extensive fluid inspection, including:
- Motor oil level inspection.
- Coolant level inspection.
- Brake fluid inspection.
- Windshield washer fluid inspection.
- Power steering fluid inspection.
- Transmission fluid inspection.
These preventative maintenance services can save you thousands by preventing more expensive failures while ensuring a safe trip.
Schedule an Inspection of Your Brakes
The importance of your brakes is a no-brainer. Even so, most drivers in Iowa City, IA, forget about their brakes until something goes wrong. However, if you’re planning a summer trip, you don’t want something to go wrong while away from home. It can be more expensive and dangerous. The best solution is to schedule a full inspection of your brakes before you hit the road.
Contact Iowa City Tire & Service in Iowa City, IA for a Full Pre-Trip Car Inspection
Before you pack up the bags and load up the car, make sure to schedule a pre-trip car inspection at Iowa City Tire & Service. Our pre-trip car inspection rigorously analyzes the safety and effectiveness of the most important systems. It’s a fast and cost-effective way to protect your family and give you added peace of mind, so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the road without waiting for something to happen.
Call us today at (319)(338-5401, stop by to see us at 410 Kirkwood Ave in Iowa City, IA, or complete our online contact form to schedule preventative maintenance.
