There is a specific kind of excitement that hits Oxford in early June. The graduation gowns have been packed away, the Square feels a little more “local,” and the call of the Gulf Coast or the Ozarks starts getting louder. But before you load up the SUV, grab a Mid-Town smoothie, and hit the interstate, there is one person you need to consult: your car.
At Dipstix – Oxford Tire & Lube, we see it every year: a perfectly planned vacation sidelined by a preventable mechanical hiccup. Long-distance driving in 90-plus degree weather is essentially a stress test for your vehicle. To ensure your “Oxford Exit” is a smooth one, we’ve put together the essential pre-trip checklist.
1. Check the “Feet” (And the Backup)
Your tires are the only thing connecting your family to the pavement. High speeds on hot Mississippi highways cause the air inside your tires to expand. If they are already worn or improperly inflated, that expansion can lead to a blowout.
- The Dipstix Tip: Don’t just check the four tires on the ground. Check your spare. There is nothing worse than pulling over on the side of I-55 only to realize your “safety net” is flat, too. We’ll check your tread depth and pressure in minutes to make sure you’re road-ready.
2. The Lifeblood: Oil and Coolant
Think of your engine oil like your own hydration, in the summer, you need more of it, and you need it to be high quality. Heat is the natural enemy of motor oil; it causes it to thin out and lose its lubricating properties. If you are within 500 miles of your next change, do it before you leave.
Additionally, your cooling system is working overtime. A quick check of your coolant (antifreeze) levels can be the difference between a scenic drive and a cloud of steam under the hood. At Dipstix, our full-service oil change includes a check of all your vital fluids, ensuring your “internal thermostat” is set correctly.
3. Visibility and the Summer Storm
We all know how an Oxford afternoon works: it’s blue skies one minute and a tropical downpour the next. If your wiper blades spent the winter scraping frost or have been “baked” by the spring sun, they will likely streak when you need them most.
- The Dipstix Tip: If your wipers are making a “chattering” sound or leaving gaps on the glass, swap them out. While you’re at it, make sure your washer fluid is topped off with a formula designed to break down the inevitable “lovebugs” and road grime you’ll collect on the way south.
4. The Battery’s “Silent” Struggle
Most people think batteries only die in the winter. In reality, heat is much harder on a battery’s internal chemistry. It accelerates corrosion and evaporates the essential liquids inside. If your car has been cranking just a half-second slower lately, the summer heat might be the final straw.
We can test your battery in seconds to let you know if it’s got the “juice” for the journey.
The Dipstix Promise: Fast and Friendly
We know you have a cooler to pack and a GPS to program. You don’t have three hours to sit in a dealership waiting room. That’s why we built our reputation on being Oxford’s fastest pitstop. You don’t even need an appointment. Drop by James Kimmons Drive on your way out of town, and we’ll get you through our 13-point inspection and back on the road before your coffee gets cold.
Enjoy the road, Oxford. We’ll make sure your car does, too. Visit us at Dipstix – Oxford Tire & Lube at 1647 James Kimmons Dr. Oxford, MS 38655 or give us a call today at 662-234-7100.
