Mechanic recommends routine maintenance ahead of busy travel weekend
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
One mechanic shop recommends routine maintenance to avoid any vehicle issues on long road trips many have planned for the Fourth of July.
Devin Kelley, Owner of All-Star Automotive says this is especially important with most mechanic shops being unusually busy ahead of holidays.
According to Kelley, owners should take vehicles in once every three to four months, depending on how many miles the vehicle has been driven.
During the checks, owners should pay extra attention to:
- Tire pressure
- Braking system
- Wipers
- Fluids
- Exterior lighting
If not checked, Kelley says many issues can arise. The summer months cause tires to get hot and Kelley says tires with low tread will only get hotter.
Braking systems can also get hot in the summer months and can fail if not properly maintained.
Fluids are extremely important in the summer, with Kelley saying ensuring you have the right antifreeze for your vehicle's air conditioning system is vital especially if you become stranded.
If a vehicle does break down on a road trip, Kelley says it's a good idea to be a part of a system like AAA that can provide assistance.
Owners can reference the owner's manual before hitting the roads, especially for those who may have little to no experience working on cars.
There are a few things owners can do on their own before taking a trip, including:
- Filling washer fluid
- Checking tire tread depths
- Checking windshield wipers
To check tire tread, Kelley says you can use a penny. Take the penny and put it into the tire, if you can see Lincoln's head, the tread is too low.
Kelley also says it's easy to identify tears or rips in windshield wipers that may cause drivers issues on long road trips.
