When you think of your upcoming road trip, it's clear blue sky and miles of open road. You don't want to think about your car breaking down in the middle of nowhere. To help give you peace of mind, let us perform a detailed Pre-Trip Safety Check.

To ensure your car stays in top form throughout your trip, we suggest bringing your vehicle in to Farmville Auto Repair at least three weeks before you go. We'll give a careful visual inspection to a number of important components. Our Pre-Trip Safety Check starts with tires and wheels, but goes way beyond that. Here is the full list of inspections. 

1. Tires

A tire blowout is one of the most common car problems during a long trip. Our mechanic will look for tears or punctures in your tires that could cause your tire to lose air.bSimilarly, worn tires make it difficult to stop. As your tire tread wears down over time, your tires might struggle to stop your car, especially in rain or snow.

We'll use a gauge to determine how much tread is left in your tires and let you know if you need to replace them. Experts recommend that you replace your tires if they have a tire depth of 4/32 inches or less.

We'll also examine the indicated tire wear to let you know if a wheel alignment is recommended. 

2. Brakes

Just as worn tires make it difficult to stop, worn brake pads can make braking scary and dangerous. Brake pads may require replacement at anywhere between 25,000 and 70,000 miles. The time to replace them depends on factors such as your vehicle make and model and your driving style. We'll check the brake pads and determine whether to replace them.

Let us know if you've noticed any issues with your brakes, such as funny noises. It's better to address any issues now rather than dealing with problems during your long drive.

3. Battery

Most car batteries last around three years. If your battery is older than three years or you've had any problems starting your car, it's probably time to get a new battery.

However, some battery problems can be repaired. Have the mechanic check the battery for problems such as corrosion, leaks, and a swollen battery case.

4. Fluids

You know the importance of changing your oil and filter - which we'll be happy to do for you. But there are other types of fluid we'll check as well. These include:

Brake fluid

Power steering fluid

Radiator coolant

Transmission fluid

Windshield washer fluid

Having the proper level of these fluids can help you avoid mechanical problems.

5. Lights and Wipers

Have the mechanic check whether your headlights and tail lights are functioning fully. If you're driving in the evening, dim headlights can be dangerous-and illegal.

Malfunctioning wipers can also impact your visibility. If your wiper blades make noise or just don't do their job, it's time to get them replaced.

6. Air Filter

Your car's air filter keeps particles and debris from entering your engine. If it becomes clogged, it can no longer do its job. Ask your mechanic to check it and clean it if necessary.

7. Air Conditioning

A malfunctioning air conditioning system can make a summer road trip miserable. Possible problems include a clogged air filter, blown fuse, bad clutch, low refrigerant level, or a refrigerant leak.

Make sure to set an appointment with us a few weeks before you leave. You shouldn't have to delay your trip because of a major problem that needs repair.

DIY Tips

Right before your trip, check your tire pressure and your fluid levels. Also make sure you have a spare tire and an emergency kit that includes food, medical supplies, and a blanket. Join a roadside assistance program, or at least find out who you can call if you get in a pinch.

Set up your free Pre-Trip Safety Check several weeks before your departure. Our pros will inspect your vehicle and send you on your way!