Air ConditioningĪ malfunctioning air conditioning system can make a summer road trip miserable. Ask your mechanic to check it and clean it if necessary. If it becomes clogged, it can no longer do its job. Your car's air filter keeps particles and debris from entering your engine. If your wiper blades make noise or just don't do their job, it's time to get them replaced. Malfunctioning wipers can also impact your visibility. If you're driving in the evening, dim headlights can be dangerous-and illegal. Have the mechanic check whether your headlights and tail lights are functioning fully. Having the proper level of these fluids can help you avoid mechanical problems. But there are other types of fluid you should get checked as well. You know the importance of changing your oil. Have the mechanic check the battery for problems such as corrosion, leaks, and a swollen battery case. However, some battery problems can be repaired. 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.

Most car batteries last around three years. It's better to address any issues now rather than dealing with problems during your long drive. Let your mechanic know if you've noticed any issues with your brakes, such as funny noises. Have your mechanic check the brake pads and determine whether to replace them. The time to replace them depends on factors such as your vehicle make and model and your driving style. Brake pads may require replacement at anywhere between 25,000 and 70,000 miles. Just as worn tires make it difficult to stop, worn brake pads can make braking scary and dangerous. Experts recommend that you replace your tires if they have a tire depth of 4/32 inches or less. As your tire tread wears down over time, your tires might struggle to stop your car, especially in rain or snow.Ī mechanic can determine how much tread is left in your tires and let you know if you need to replace them. Similarly, worn tires make it difficult to stop. Ask your mechanic to look for tears or punctures in your tires that could cause your tire to lose air. TiresĪ tire blowout is one of the most common car problems during a long trip. Ask your mechanic to check the following. To ensure your car stays in top form throughout your trip, take your car to a mechanic at least three weeks before you go.

You don't want to think about your car breaking down in the middle of nowhere. When you think of your upcoming road trip, you want to picture a clear blue sky and miles of open road.

Road trip car maintenance checklist