Car Repairs To Make Before A Long Road Trip

The last thing you'd want to deal with during a road trip is a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. A long road trip will be a tough test for any car. The biggest problem may be finding someone to assist or a place to buy spares in case your trip takes you through less travelled parts of the country. The best approach is to repair or replace anything that looks like it won't last the journey. Here are some of the things you should inspect.

Tires

The tires will be among the most heavily tested parts of your car during a road trip especially if you'll be passing through some areas with bad road surfaces or uneven terrains. Tires that are worn out can be a problem waiting to happen. Inspect your tires before you leave and ensure that the treads are not excessively or unevenly worn. You should also check for nails and cracks because these can lead to a sudden blowout. If your tires are more than 6 years old, you should consider changing them.

Brakes

Having good car brake service status is always a good idea. If you're using the interstate during your road trip, it may be the worst place to have a car with poor brakes. Have your car inspected to see if the brake pads are still in good condition. If the pads look like they may need replacing, don't take any chances.

Hoses

You will find rubber hoses in several parts of the car such as the radiator and the engine. These hoses operate in high temperature conditions which accelerates the rate at which they wear. Once a rubber hose starts to harden, you will start to see cracks and cooling water can escape from these cracks. Check your hoses for signs of cracks and you should also look for blisters or bulges as these indicate a weakness in the tire walls.

Belts

You should also check your engine belts to see if they are showing signs of deterioration e.g. cracks and tears. If you see any of these, change the belts before you leave as it will be much more difficult by the side of the road.

A proper auto repair service at a place like George's Eastside Shell is always a good idea before a long trip. Additionally, you should have an emergency repair kit just to be sure you have an option if something goes wrong on the road.


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