It’s summertime – and for many Canadians, that means taking at least one road trip. If you’re planning to take a seasonal journey on the open road, you’ll need to be sure your Forester is ready for some extended driving time. Once you know your vehicle is ready for the road, you can enjoy your summer vacation without worrying about worn brakes, tires, or other vital parts. Whether you’re going away for one weekend or a few weeks, one of the best ways to prepare for your trip is taking your vehicle to a trustworthy Abbotsford mechanic for a maintenance check.
Checking the Brakes for Wear
The brake system is one component of your car that should never be neglected. In order to ensure your safety, as well as the safety of your passengers and others on the road, the brakes on your vehicle must be kept in top condition. The brake pads should be thick enough to ensure consistent use while you’re on the road. The battery connection should also be checked, so you can be sure it is sufficiently tight, clean, and free of corrosion. A mechanic can examine the brake fluid to see if it needs to be flushed and replenished.
Preparing the Tires for the Road
The tires on your vehicle should always be checked before a road trip. A mechanic can inspect the tread of your tires to be certain it is not worn. If the tires have been worn unevenly, the wheel alignment may need to be fixed. The tire pressure should also be checked. If the tires are underinflated, the fuel economy during your trip will probably not be optimal. Your mechanic may also check to see whether your tires should be replaced.
Examining the Air Conditioning
If you rely on air conditioning to stay cool in the summer, then you will need to take your vehicle in for an air conditioning check. A mechanic can check the refrigerant to be sure it is sufficient. The system hoses should also be inspected for weak spots or signs of leaks.
Your summer road trip should be fun, and you shouldn’t spend your vacation time worrying about vehicle repairs. Be sure to contact Collins for a free quote on a maintenance check before your seasonal journey. A little preventative maintenance may ensure that you don’t get stuck needing repairs on the road.
Inspecting the Cooling System
If your coolant needs to be flushed or changed, you should have this done before your trip. If your mechanic performs a cooling system inspection, you may learn that your vehicle has a faulty hose or a leak. The vehicle might also require a new water pump or radiator cap, which an inspection of the cooling system could reveal. These are not issues that you will want to discover when you’re on a summer road trip. They should be addressed before you go, so you do not need to worry about getting your vehicle repaired in another city.
Collins Automotive
Family Owned Auto Shop, Serving Abbotsford, BC and surrounding area since 1993
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