At Performance Services, Auburn-Opelika's top choice for maintenance and repair of fine German automobiles, we want you and your family to be safe during your holiday travels this year. We've put together a basic checklist of items to look at before you hit the road. They're simple and effective ways to prevent trouble on the road. Don't have time to perform these checks? Bring your car to Performance Services and we'll handle it for you.
Check Your Tire Pressure
This sounds like a very basic pre-trip check, but so many people forget to check their tire pressure when leaving for a road trip over the holidays. It can cost a lot of money in wasted fuel and negative tire wear. Use a simple tire pressure gauge (digital ones are more accurate but not necessary) and set the pressure to your tire manufacturers standards. Most new cars have the PSI on a tag on the inside of the door frame on the drivers side. Or, the tire itself has the recommended/max tire pressure listed on the tire itself. While you’re doing this also check the pressure in your spare tire. Most of us forget the spare until we need it, and that’s a very bad time to find out your spare is flat. Believe us!
Check the Depth of Your Tire Tread
You're already down on your knees checking the tore pressure, so make sure and look at the tread depth. Uneven wear is BAD and you should have them checked out before venturing on a long trip. You also want to check the tread depth to make sure the tires aren’t worn out. Use a penny from your pocket and make sure the tread goes past Lincoln’s head when you place the top of the penny into one of the treads.
Check the Service Record for Your Vehicle
Okay, so you may be saying, "what service record," but check when you are due for an oil change or scheduled service. If you are within 500 miles of your next oil change or scheduled maintenance you should go ahead and get it done before your trip. At Performance Services, when you are completing a full service oil change, we'll check the rest of the fluids and general maintenance too. Transmission fluid, coolant, windshield washer fluid... they're all important for safe and pleasurable travel over the holidays.
Check That You Have Your License, Insurance, and Registration
This may sound silly, but often times the difference between getting a ticket and not getting a ticket is your ability to produce current records quickly if you're stopped. We recommend having your insurance card and registration in the same, easy-to-reach place ALL the time. If you use AAA or another roadside service, place that card in with your license and registration also. You'll also want to to CHECK when your insurance card to make sure it is the up-to-date version and since it could expire while you are on an extended holiday trip.
Check Your Lights and Wiper Blades
Take a few seconds to look at your wiper blades. Do you notice that the rubber is dry, cracked, or rough and brittle, or do you see streaks and smudges on the windshield when you turn them on? It's probably time to change them! This is especially important if you are driving into wet climates that may have extended periods of rain or snow. Remember the last time you drove on the interstate with big trucks? Yeah, that spray from their tires is pretty bad. Don't get caught without good solid wiper blades.
You should also check your lights and turn indicators before you leave. Turn on your headlights and walk around the car to make sure they are all working properly. Check each turn signal in the same fashion. Maybe your wife, friend or significant other can help you press your brake pedal to make sure your brake lights are working. You don’t want to get pulled over for having any lights out, or worse end up in an accident because your lights are not working properly.
Check the Interior of Your Vehicle
A messy console can really be a distraction to driving. Take a few minutes to clean out the vehicle and check that everything in the car is something you really need for the trip. This includes the console, trunk, passenger seating areas and any pockets that may be holding "junk" you don't really need to drag along. Travelling with pets? Make sure they have plenty of space and that the area is free of chew hazards.
This sounds like a very basic pre-trip check, but so many people forget to check their tire pressure when leaving for a road trip over the holidays. It can cost a lot of money in wasted fuel and negative tire wear. Use a simple tire pressure gauge (digital ones are more accurate but not necessary) and set the pressure to your tire manufacturers standards. Most new cars have the PSI on a tag on the inside of the door frame on the drivers side. Or, the tire itself has the recommended/max tire pressure listed on the tire itself. While you’re doing this also check the pressure in your spare tire. Most of us forget the spare until we need it, and that’s a very bad time to find out your spare is flat. Believe us!
Check the Depth of Your Tire Tread
You're already down on your knees checking the tore pressure, so make sure and look at the tread depth. Uneven wear is BAD and you should have them checked out before venturing on a long trip. You also want to check the tread depth to make sure the tires aren’t worn out. Use a penny from your pocket and make sure the tread goes past Lincoln’s head when you place the top of the penny into one of the treads.
Check the Service Record for Your Vehicle
Okay, so you may be saying, "what service record," but check when you are due for an oil change or scheduled service. If you are within 500 miles of your next oil change or scheduled maintenance you should go ahead and get it done before your trip. At Performance Services, when you are completing a full service oil change, we'll check the rest of the fluids and general maintenance too. Transmission fluid, coolant, windshield washer fluid... they're all important for safe and pleasurable travel over the holidays.
Check That You Have Your License, Insurance, and Registration
This may sound silly, but often times the difference between getting a ticket and not getting a ticket is your ability to produce current records quickly if you're stopped. We recommend having your insurance card and registration in the same, easy-to-reach place ALL the time. If you use AAA or another roadside service, place that card in with your license and registration also. You'll also want to to CHECK when your insurance card to make sure it is the up-to-date version and since it could expire while you are on an extended holiday trip.
Check Your Lights and Wiper Blades
Take a few seconds to look at your wiper blades. Do you notice that the rubber is dry, cracked, or rough and brittle, or do you see streaks and smudges on the windshield when you turn them on? It's probably time to change them! This is especially important if you are driving into wet climates that may have extended periods of rain or snow. Remember the last time you drove on the interstate with big trucks? Yeah, that spray from their tires is pretty bad. Don't get caught without good solid wiper blades.
You should also check your lights and turn indicators before you leave. Turn on your headlights and walk around the car to make sure they are all working properly. Check each turn signal in the same fashion. Maybe your wife, friend or significant other can help you press your brake pedal to make sure your brake lights are working. You don’t want to get pulled over for having any lights out, or worse end up in an accident because your lights are not working properly.
Check the Interior of Your Vehicle
A messy console can really be a distraction to driving. Take a few minutes to clean out the vehicle and check that everything in the car is something you really need for the trip. This includes the console, trunk, passenger seating areas and any pockets that may be holding "junk" you don't really need to drag along. Travelling with pets? Make sure they have plenty of space and that the area is free of chew hazards.
Need help with maintenance and repair of your BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, VW or Porsche?
Contact Frank Jackson and his team at Performance Services
(334) 749-1588
Contact Frank Jackson and his team at Performance Services
(334) 749-1588
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