According to Car and Driver, Americans drive an average of 13,476 miles per year on US roads.
This can vary a lot from person to person, but most people will spend the majority of their time driving on short trips. These are simple and don’t need much preparation, but long drives are a bit different. It’s important to make sure both you and your vehicle are ready before setting out for a long drive.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at how a pre-trip inspection can help keep you safe on the open road.
Let’s get started.
Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist
When performing any vehicle safety check, it’s important to not miss anything. Using a checklist is the best way to make sure you’ve done everything you need to do before starting a long drive. Preventive maintenance will help keep your car in good shape, but you should still check the following before any long journey:
- Tires: check the air pressure, tread depth, and overall condition
- Fluid levels: inspect the transmission fluid, brake fluid, engine oil, coolant, and windshield washer, topping any up if needed
- Lights: test your headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights
- Brakes: make sure your brakes are responsive and look for signs of wear or damage
- Steering and Suspension: inspect suspension components and test steering responsiveness
- Wipers and mirrors: make sure your mirrors are correctly adjusted and test the windshield wipers
- Battery: make sure it’s properly mounted and inspect the terminals for any corrosion
- Emergency equipment: having emergency equipment like a first aid kit and warning triangle can improve your safety on the road
If you find any issues, either deal with them yourself before hitting the road or take your car to a professional auto repair shop. Bear in mind that if you need something like a brake service or oil change then you may need to book in advance, so it’s best to do your inspection well in advance of your planned trip.
Benefits of a Pre-Trip Inspection
Your travel checklist should always include a car inspection if you’re planning on driving. It will help you determine if you need to see a mechanic before you leave.
Perhaps the main benefit of proper road trip preparation is that it improves safety. You can address issues that could potentially lead to breakdowns or accidents on the road and take care of them before you leave.
These issues will often be less expensive to fix if you catch them early. As such, pre-trip inspections can help you save money in the long run. You’ll also have better peace of mind knowing that you’ve checked your vehicle to make sure it’s ready for a long journey.
Keeping Your Car in Good Shape
Whether you find an issue during a pre-trip inspection or at any other time, having a professional mechanic repair your car will help it stay in good condition. Preventative maintenance is also a good idea to help you get the most out of your vehicle.
Chrome Auto is a leading auto repair shop in Madison Heights that offers professional pre-trip inspections, brake repair, electrical diagnostics, wheel alignment, and more. We’ve served thousands of customers and have been in business for over 50 years. Book your appointment with us today.