Planning a family road trip this summer? Before you hit the highway, proper car maintenance can mean the difference between a smooth adventure and a roadside emergency. At Hawk Chevrolet of Joliet, we've compiled a list of important road trip car maintenance tips to help keep your car running smoothly for long distances!
Why Road Trip Car Maintenance Matters
Highway speeds, heavy loads, and long driving times put extra stress on your vehicle. Safe and well-planned road trips start with a well-maintained car. A small problem at home can become a big problem hundreds of miles away. Below, we go into detail about some useful tips that will help protect your vehicle and your next vacation.
Check Your Fluids First
Start your car maintenance with a fluid check. These are the lifelines of your vehicle:
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Engine Oil: Check the oil level. If you haven’t had an oil change within the last 5,000 miles, it’s time for a refresh. Fresh oil helps your engine run smoothly during long drives.
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Coolant: Your engine works harder on road trips. Make sure coolant levels are full and the fluid looks clean. This prevents overheating on hot summer days.
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Brake Fluid: Safe stopping is crucial for family road trips. Low brake fluid can mean brake problems ahead.
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Power Steering Fluid: Check your power steering fluid to ensure safe, easy steering, which is especially important when driving for hours.
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Windshield Wiper Fluid: You'll use more than usual to keep your view clear on long drives.
At Hawk Chevrolet of Joliet, we can provide you with a full system inspection and change your fluids.
Tire Safety for Long Road Trips
Your tires are your only connection to the road. Include these tire checks in your car maintenance routine before a road trip:
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Tire Pressure: Check tire pressure when tires are cold. Proper air pressure improves gas mileage and prevents blowouts.
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Spare Tire: Make sure it's properly inflated and you have all the tools needed to change it.
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Tire Tread Depth: Place a penny in the tread with Lincoln upside down. If you see the top of his head, you need new tires. You can also visit us for tire services at Hawk Chevrolet of Joliet. Our technicians can tell you if your tires are safe and recommend the best tires for your Chevy and driving needs.
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Tire Rotation: Uneven wear can cause problems on long trips. Have tires rotated if necessary.
If you want to ensure your tires are in top shape for your next road trip, schedule a service appointment at Hawk Chevrolet of Joliet!
Battery Maintenance
A dead battery can strand your family far from home. Check the following:
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Battery Terminals: Clean off any corrosion. Dirty terminals can cause starting problems.
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Battery Age: Most batteries last 3-4 years. If yours is older, consider replacement before your trip.
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Headlights and Taillights: Test all lights, as you might drive in areas without any road lighting during your trip.
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Turn Signals: Make sure other drivers can see your signals clearly. Check that your lights are not dim or burnt out.
You can trust our experts for car battery services in Joliet, IL. Visit us today for a full battery inspection!
Brakes: Your Biggest Safety Priority
Brakes are critical for daily driving and road trips. Have them checked if you notice:
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Squealing or grinding sounds
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Soft or spongy brake pedal
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The car pulls to one side when braking
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A brake warning light on the dashboard
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A burning smell, especially when braking
Don't take chances with brake problems before a long trip. For brake inspection and repair, visit our team at Hawk Chevrolet of Joliet.
Check the Exhaust System
Your exhaust system affects how well your car runs on long drives. Problems with your exhaust can cause poor fuel efficiency and decreased power. You should look under your car for rust, holes, or hanging parts. Also, listen for unusual noises when the engine runs.
For a full system inspection, visit our Service Center. Our professionals will use a combination of techniques to check for leaks, component issues, and test the system.
Steering and Suspension
Smooth steering and good suspension make long drives safer and more comfortable. Check for:
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Steering Feel: Your car should drive straight without pulling to one side. The steering wheel shouldn't shake, feel loose, or be difficult to turn.
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Bounce Test: Push down hard on each corner of your car. It should bounce once and stop. If it keeps bouncing, your shocks or struts may need replacement.
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Alignment Check: Check your tires, as uneven tire wear often means alignment issues. Poor alignment makes your car harder to control and causes you to use up more gas.
When you need a wheel alignment or suspension repair, trust our service professionals! Contact us today to schedule a tune-up.
Check Belts and Hoses
These rubber parts can fail in hot weather or under stress. Take your vehicle in for a full inspection. Our professionals will check for cracks, fraying, or glazing in your serpentine belt and look over important hoses. We will tell you which parts require replacement before your road trip.
Road Trip Tips for Families: Pack Smart
Good car maintenance before a road trip includes packing wisely:
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Emergency Kit: Include jumper cables, basic tools, a first aid kit, a flashlight, batteries, extra chargers, a map, non-perishable food and water, and emergency flares.
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Spare Fluids: Bring extra oil, coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid for long trips.
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Important Papers: Keep insurance cards, registration, and emergency contacts handy.
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Phone Charger: A dead phone can't call for help.
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Spare Tire and Tools: Check that your spare is in good condition and that you have all the necessary tools to change a flat.
Long Road Trip Tips: Plan Your Route
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Know Your Route: Identify rest stops and gas stations, especially in remote areas.
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Share Your Plans: Tell someone your route and expected arrival times.
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Check Weather: Adjust your car maintenance before a road trip based on expected conditions.
Visit Hawk Chevrolet of Joliet
Often, you will need help with road trip car maintenance. Visit our Service Center for:
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Brake system services
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Battery testing and replacement
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Engine diagnostics
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Air conditioning repair
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Complex electrical issues
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Transmission service
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Tire rotation and replacement
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Wheel alignments
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And more
Our certified technicians know Chevrolet vehicles inside and out. We can spot potential problems before they ruin your family vacation.
Final Road Trip Tips for Families
Remember these last-minute checks:
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Fuel Up: Start with a full tank and know where gas stations are along your route.
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Rest Stops: Plan breaks every two hours. Tired drivers make mistakes.
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Load Properly: Don't overload your vehicle. Check your owner's manual for weight limits.
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Kids and Pets: Make sure everyone is properly secured with seat belts or car seats.
Make Your Road Trip Memorable (For the Right Reasons)
Proper car maintenance before road trips turns potential problems into peace of mind. Your family deserves a safe, comfortable journey. The road trip car maintenance tips in this blog should help ensure your adventure stays on track.
At Hawk Chevrolet of Joliet, we're here to help with all your vehicle needs. Our trained service team can handle any maintenance your car requires before you hit the road. Schedule your pre-trip inspection today and drive with confidence! Your family's safety is worth it.
Contact us now to set up a service appointment! For offers and rebates, visit our specials page.