What to Service or Replace Before a Long Road Trip

If you’re planning a vacation from Marion or you’re hitting the road across southern Illinois for work, your car needs some attention before you leave. Vehicles with maintenance issues are more likely to crash than well-maintained ones, highlighting the importance of car maintenance before a long road trip. A few quick checks now can save you from getting stranded on the roadside, whether you’re driving up to Chicago for the weekend or crossing state lines on that adventure you’ve been dreaming about.

Check Engine Oil and Other Fluids

Your car’s fluids keep everything running smoothly, so it’s vital to perform a fluid check before a road trip. To check the oil, park on an even surface, let the engine cool, then use the dipstick to ensure the oil level is between the min and max marks. If the oil appears dark or gritty, change it.

Other fluids are just as important. Transmission fluid needs flushing every 30,000 to 60,000 miles to prevent shifting problems. Brake fluid requires attention every two years or 24,000 miles, power steering fluid needs changing every 50,000 miles, and coolant needs replacing every two to five years. You should also top up your windshield washer fluid regularly to prevent visibility issues.

Inspect Tires for Safety and Performance

You should check tire pressure when the tires are cold — mornings work best. Most vehicles have a recommended pressure of 30-35 psi, but check your door sticker for specifics. At temperatures of around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, tire rubber weakens, raising the risk of blowouts with underinflation.

To check tire tread, use the penny test: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If the top of his head is visible, it means you need new tires. Tires more than 6 years old are more prone to failure, regardless of tread depth. You should also inspect the tires for cuts, bulges, cracks, or embedded objects. Don’t forget to inspect your spare tire. Have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for longevity.

Test Your Battery

Batteries last three to five years, and southern Illinois’ weather doesn’t help. Cold temperatures slow chemical reactions, making batteries sluggish, while summer heat can damage internal components. If your battery is over three years old, make sure you test it before heading on your trip.

A healthy 12-volt car battery should read approximately 12.6 volts when resting. If the voltage drops below 9.6 volts during a load test, it’s time for a replacement. Watch for slow starts, dim lights, or dashboard warnings, and check terminals for white or blue corrosion buildup. Clean corrosion with a wire brush and baking soda solution, and tighten all connections. Even if your battery is healthy, it’s a good idea to pack jumper cables in case of emergencies.

Inspect Brakes and Brake Pads

Squealing, grinding, or clicking sounds when braking are signs that your brake pads are wearing thin. The brake pedal should feel firm, not spongy. Check the color of the brake fluid — it should be clear or light amber, not dark or rusty.

Brake pads typically need replacing every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, with inspections every 10,000 miles. Replace the pads when they’re worn to 3mm thickness. Summer traffic and heavy loads can accelerate brake wear.

Ensure Lights and Signals Are Working Properly

Working lights help other drivers see you and improve your visibility, especially in unfamiliar places. Have someone check all the exterior lights while you work the controls. Test the headlights (high and low beams), fog lights, taillights, turn signals, and hazards. Replace dead bulbs and clean the lenses for maximum brightness. Cracked headlight covers affect visibility and need to be fixed.

Replace Windshield Wipers

Clear visibility can make or break your road trip in bad weather. Check your wiper blades for cracks, tears, or stiffness. Streaking or smearing means they need to be replaced. Squeaky or streaky wipers are dangerous because they can’t effectively clear rain, snow, and dust.

Wipers need replacing every six to 12 months. Conventional wiper blades are the cheapest but wear out faster. Beam wiper blades cost more but provide better performance and even pressure distribution.

Check HVAC and Cabin Comfort Systems

Long drives aren’t enjoyable when you’re uncomfortable, and climate controls are safety features, not just comfort items. Test your air conditioning and heating before leaving on your trip — good cooling is essential for summer trips, while reliable heating keeps windows clear and passengers happy on cold days.

Also check your cabin air filter. If it’s been 15,000-30,000 miles or over a year since your last replacement, swap it out. Clogged filters cause musty smells, reduce airflow, and worsen allergy or asthma symptoms. Paper filters work well for dust and pollen. Charcoal filters cost more but eliminate odors and harmful gases better.

Review Emergency Kit and Roadside Gear

Even well-maintained cars can still experience breakdowns. Pack basic emergency items, including a properly inflated spare tire, a jack, a lug wrench, jumper cables, a flashlight, a tire pressure gauge, first aid supplies, reflective triangles, a basic toolbox with pliers and screwdrivers, and duct tape.

If you’re planning a long trip, you should have survival supplies on hand: bottled water (at least a gallon per person per day), nonperishable snacks, blankets, phone chargers, ice scrapers, motor oil, and a portable jump starter. Make sure everyone knows where emergency items are located and check that everything works.

Get Road-Ready With Ike Honda

Professional inspections can identify subtle signs of wear in your engine, brakes, suspension, and electrical systems. Our trained technicians can pick up on critical issues that you might miss.

If you’re ready for adventure, schedule your pre-trip inspection at Ike Honda in Marion, Illinois. Our mechanics will prepare your car for whatever awaits it on the road ahead.

Image by Tim Mossholder | Licensed with Unsplash License