There is a renewed sense of hope in the air that most of us will be able to reconnect with family and friends this holiday season. As the nation begins to recover from the pandemic, many people are anxious to get on the road and see the people they’ve missed over the past two years. If you are going to forego the plane trip and drive, make sure that your car is ready to go. Scheduling a maintenance appointment to ensure your car is in top shape is critical to keep everyone safe while getting there.
Things That Should Be Checked at Your Maintenance Appointment
Oil and Coolant Levels
Before you head out on a road trip, it is always a good idea to have your oil and coolant levels checked, and if necessary, topped off. Low levels of either of them can result in engine problems down the road if not addressed.
Air Filter
Your Toyota’s air filter is responsible for regulating the air flowing to your engine and it reduces particulates and debris. A new air filter will ensure that you are getting the best fuel efficiency possible, help to reduce your emissions, and increase the life of your engine.
Tread Depth and Tire Pressure
You have a lot riding on your tires, and nothing can ruin a good road trip more quickly than a blown-out tire! Both the depth of your tread and tire pressure affect your fuel efficiency, as well as your safety. When a tire blows, it is easy for the car to spin out of control. Before hitting the road, it is always a good idea to inspect your tires to make sure they are good enough to make it there and back – and don’t forget to check the spare!
Parking, Brake, Turn Signal Lights, and Headlights
People ride around all the time, completely unaware that their taillights and headlights are out. Properly working lights are vital to alert other drivers when you intend to turn, make a lane change, or stop completely. If they aren’t working, it will significantly increase your risk of an accident.
Oil and Filter
Motor oil is necessary to lubricate the moving parts of your engine. It also protects against debris boiling up, helps to cool down the engine, reduces excessive wear and tear, and reduces engine corrosion. Many cars need to have an oil change every 3 months or 3000 miles but it is dependent on your owner’s manual specifications.
Rotating Tires
If your tread patterns are uneven from one side to the next, you might need to have your tires rotated. Tread patterns shift according to things like car usage, alignment, and a host of many other factors. By rotating your tires, you will extend their life and help to balance out any tread discrepancies.
Replace Windshield Wipers
You never really know you need new windshield wipers until you are in transit and need them most. If you are going on a trip and you haven’t replaced yours lately, it is a good idea to just go ahead and switch them out. When it comes to windshield wipers, it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.
Battery Performance Check
Your car’s battery is one of the most important pieces of making it run. It is a good idea to test the strength of your battery so that you don’t get stuck somewhere and find that it doesn’t have enough charge to turn the car over.
Many things can go wrong with your car if you aren’t proactive. Regular maintenance is a must to extend the lifespan of your car, and if you are going to head out for the holidays, make sure that your car is in proper working order to make it there safely. At Japanese Import Pros, we do the most comprehensive maintenance checks to ensure that your car is in optimal working order so you get there as efficiently and safely as possible. Schedule your appointment now!
