A successful trip is spent on the road and not in a mechanic's shop. Before you leave, ask a qualified auto technician to inspect your car.
Pay special note to:
- Battery load and terminals
- Antifreeze
- Oil
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Transmission fluids
- Belts
- Hoses
- Tires
- Wiper blades
A do-it-yourself checklist:
- Battery. Check battery terminals for corrosion. Clean terminals with a wire brush dipped in baking soda and water.
- Antifreeze. Check the antifreeze strength in the radiator overflow reservoir with a hydrometer. Antifreeze should be clean, at proper level and provide protection to -36oF.
- Washer fluid. Keep reservoir filled with solvent.
- Wipers. Replace wipers if they are split, leave streaks or skip.
- Oil. Check the oil level with the dipstick. Consult the owners manual for the intervals between changes and recommended SAE viscosity.
- Brake fluid. Keep the fluid level within a quarter-inch from the top of the reservoir.
- Power steering fluid. Follow directions in the owners manual. If fluid is needed, add slowly to avoid overfilling.
- Automatic transmission fluid. The car should be on level ground in "park" position with the engine running before checking the indicator stick.
- Belts and hoses. Press the middle of the serpentine belt to test tension. If belt gives more than 1 to 1-1/2 inches, tighten or replace it. Check hoses for cracks or fraying.
- Air filter. Hold filter up to a light. If you can't see light through it, replace it.
- Lights/signals. Make sure they work. Replace bulbs as necessary.
- Tires. Inspect tread wear and maintain pressure indicated in the owners manual. Check pressure with a gauge when tires are cold.
Source: AAA Michigan
