You’re back! It was a great summer up north, and now you are looking forward to catching up with your Arizona friends. Before putting summer completely behind you, it is also a good idea to give your vehicle some attention.
Long-distance travel can add significant mileage and place additional demands on your vehicle. Hours on the highway, high temperatures, changing elevations, heavy traffic, and a fully loaded vehicle can all contribute to normal wear and tear. Taking a few moments to inspect your vehicle after a trip can help identify concerns before they become more costly repairs.
Begin With a Visual Inspection
Walk around your vehicle and look for anything out of the ordinary. Check the tires for uneven wear, damage, or low pressure, and look beneath the vehicle for signs of fluid leaks.
Also consider how your vehicle performed during the trip. Did you notice unusual sounds, vibrations, or changes in handling? Did a warning light appear? Were there concerns with braking or steering? Even a minor issue is worth mentioning to a qualified automotive technician.
Inspect Your Tires
Tires can experience additional wear during long trips, particularly when carrying passengers, luggage and other cargo. Check the tire pressure and tread depth, including the spare tire. If you experienced pulling, vibration, or uneven tire wear, consider having your tires and wheel alignment professionally inspected.
Check Oil and Other Important Fluids
Depending on the number of miles traveled, your vehicle may be approaching its next recommended oil change or service interval. Checking the oil level and condition is a good place to start.
Other important fluids should also be inspected according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, including coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
For drivers in Southern Arizona, the cooling system deserves particular attention after a summer road trip. High temperatures can place additional stress on the engine and cooling system.
Pay Attention to Changes in Performance
New squeaks, rattles, grinding sounds or changes in braking, steering or overall performance should not be ignored. Addressing a small issue early may help prevent a more significant and expensive repair.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
If your trip added hundreds or thousands of miles to your vehicle, a professional inspection can provide valuable peace of mind. A qualified technician can inspect important components, including the tires, brakes, belts, hoses, fluids and other systems.
A little post-trip attention can help maintain your car’s safety, reliability and performance.
For everything from routine maintenance and inspections to replacements and repairs, trust the ASE-certified technicians at Green Valley Automotive. Their experienced team uses modern technology and computer-enhanced diagnostics to help keep vehicles running safely and efficiently. Call Green Valley Automotive at (520) 625-2500 or visit www.greenvalleyautomotive.com.
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