Here in Washington we have many opportunities for summer outdoor adventures, ranging from day trips to weekend trips to a week or longer. The last thing anyone wants is a summer-vacation-turned-nightmare because of car trouble.
Car trouble near home is inconvenient, but less scary than a breakdown in an unfamiliar or relatively deserted area. And while there are no guarantees to prevent unplanned breakdowns, having a mechanic check some specific components before you go can guard against more common mishaps.
Tires are the most common trouble spot. A thorough tire inspection will look for signs of uneven wear, damaged tread and check the air pressure of the tires. While tires lose pressure naturally over time, it’s good to check frequently to make sure there are no leaks. In some cases, a vehicle may need an alignment, tire rotations or new tires completely.
While the tires are off, you should have your brakes checked as well to make sure the pads have not worn to shreds and the fluid is still clean and fresh. Your technician should also check your vehicle’s suspension, including shocks and struts. While your worn out shocks may still do their jobs, you’ll really notice a difference when they’ve been replaced.
The cooling system is another frequent offender. An inspection of this system will reveal worn or leaking hoses. Flushing the system will get rid of old fluids that may have become corrosive and inhibit the efficiency of the system. An inspection is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to prevent problems from developing.
Before taking any long trips, you should always have the transmission checked. Transmission problems usually take time and money to resolve and will bring your trip to an abrupt end.
There are many other things to check out as well: your vehicle’s collection of belts, the exhaust system, oil, air filter, differentials and timing. You should also have your power steering fluid checked. It can often be overlooked, but is an important part of making your car run smoothly. You’ll also want to remember to replace windshield wipers and headlights that aren’t quite up to par.
Finally, if you suspect your heater or air conditioning system might be faulty, your service provider can easily check it out to ensure your summer trip isn’t spoiled by contrary weather.
Additionally, keeping an emergency kit in your car may be a smart thing to do year round. A couple emergency blankets, some snack bars, bottled water and a flashlight will be useful in the event you do have a breakdown.
This summer, as you make plans to hike, climb, fish, camp, boat or do other outdoor activities, make sure you give your vehicle some care so it can take you safely where you want to go.
Ken Clark is the owner of Sparks Car Care, Federal Way. He can be reached at 253-874-1070, www.facebook.com/sparkscc or sparkscc@comcast.net
