As temperatures rise, summer road trips undoubtedly start calling your name. The sky is the limit on where you can go, too, when traveling out of Locust, NC. From the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, there are endless places to visit within less than a day’s drive.
You could even make it to Disney World, the Big Apple, and beyond if you’re willing to travel even further. And your car is up to the task, that is. You need a well-maintained, reliable, and truly comfortable vehicle to enjoy all your road trip adventures to the fullest.
Want to make sure you’re ready to hit the road without any disruptions standing in your way? All you need is a pre-trip inspection performed by a knowledgeable ASE-certified technician—and we’re here to help. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Have Your Car Inspected
Many car troubles slowly develop unnoticed until something catastrophically breaks or otherwise fails to work as expected. The signs are usually there, but without putting your car in front of an expert, it’s nearly impossible to know exactly what you’re dealing with.
That’s why it’s essential to have a pre-trip inspection completed well before your planned road trip. As your mechanic looks over your car from nose to tail, they’ll note both developing and urgent issues, so you can address them before hitting the road.
Thanks to automotive tech advancements, a thorough vehicle inspection lets you actually see the signs of wear and damage noted by your trusted technician. You can then better understand the repair recommendations and authorize the services with true peace of mind.
The Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist
When you come in for a pre-trip inspection, your ASE-certified technician in Locust, NC will assess the overall condition of all your vehicle’s major systems. From the engine and transmission to the air conditioning and lights, everything gets a good once over to verify that it’s all working right.
Beyond that, your technician will:
- Complete fluid services (like checking all the fluid levels and topping them off).
- Measure the tire pressure and tread depth at all four corners.
- Inspect the spare tires for signs of wear and advanced age.
- Verify that there are no trouble codes or diagnostic issues.
- Perform car battery checks and test the entire starting and charging system.
- Change the wiper blades and refill the windshield washer fluid.
- Replace the engine and cabin air filters if dirty.
If you have an emergency kit in your car, your technician can review the tools and supplies in that kit to let you know if you need anything else for minor roadside repairs. Your roadside emergency kit should have everything you need to safely change a tire and fix other minor issues that could occur on your travels.
You should also have the items you need to stay safe while waiting for help, like food and water, road flares, battery-operated radio, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, and a whistle. Don’t forget the tow chain and jumper cables, either.
When to Schedule Your Pre-Trip Inspection
To ensure you have enough time for any necessary repairs, aim to have a pre-trip inspection performed at least two to three weeks before your road trip. With that move, you won’t get derailed from having to wait unexpectedly for parts or other delays.
As your auto repair shop, we’ll do everything possible to finish the work quickly. But sometimes, it’s impossible to avoid shipment delays for parts that cannot be sourced locally. Furthermore, other issues can reveal themselves after completing major repairs, resulting in the need for another service before your car is roadworthy once again.
Bring your car into the shop for vehicle inspections between regular maintenance appointments for even more peace of mind. Your tech can then keep a close eye on the condition of your vehicle and fix minor issues before they can escalate.
Time to Get Ready for Your Summer Road Trips
If you’d like to enjoy your summer road trips without disruptions, it’s time to get a pre-trip inspection at Whitley Automotive in Locust, NC. When you come to our shop, our ASE-certified mechanics will expertly assess the condition of your car and provide a full report for your review. You will then have all the info you need to make excellent car care decisions now and in the future.
Ready to get started? Give us a call at (704) 888-3560 to find a great time to come into the shop. If you’d rather book your visit in person, you can find us at 210 Locust Avenue, Locust, NC 28097.
We look forward to helping you make the most of all your travels, so please reach out today.
