Whether you’re traveling on a route you’ve taken before or heading out into the unknown, road trips can be great fun. To have the best time possible, you should ensure the Mopar vehicle you’ll be traveling in is well maintained before you go. Here at Huffines CJDR Lewisville, we’re used to advising drivers planning an off-road expedition or out-of-state driving holiday. Here are some of our key tips on how to prepare:
Change Your Fluids and Engine Oil
Black Jeep Wrangler on dirt road during daytime by Sebastian Kurpiel is licensed with Unsplash
Since you’ll be covering many miles in the coming days and weeks, you’ll want to ensure your vehicle’s performance is top-notch. There’s nothing worse than learning your vehicle has a serious problem when you’re on the road, especially if you don’t have the luxury of an auto service center nearby to help you out.
One way to ensure your vehicle is all set for your road trip is to change your engine oil and fluids. Oil wears down over time due to the heat and friction it’s exposed to. As a result, it loses its ability to lubricate your engine’s moving parts. Replacing your engine oil every six months or before you take a long road trip can resolve this problem.
There are several fluids you should also get flushed. These include your brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. These fluids are critical for the reliable functioning of all these systems. They require regular changes because they can be contaminated by dirt and debris over time, reducing their efficacy.
Pay Attention to Tire Care
Road trips put a lot of strain on your tires, so you need to be confident they’re in excellent condition before you get started. It’s well worth checking your tire pressure and inflating your tires if required. Proper tire pressure not only ensures good grip and handling on the road but can also improve your fuel economy. Another step worth taking is having your tires rotated. Rotating your tires helps prevent uneven wear, which can shorten your tires’ lifespan.
If your tires are old and beginning to wear, you may want to consider replacing them before you leave. Alternatively, if your road trip will take you off the beaten track, you can replace your regular tires with all-terrain tires for better performance.
Don’t forget to check your spare tire, which can come in handy in an emergency. If you don’t have a spare tire, this may be the perfect time to buy one.
Perform Other Routine Maintenance Tasks
You should add a few further maintenance tasks to your checklist before you get started. Replacing your engine and cabin air filters will ensure that clean air circulates throughout your road trip. If your windshield wipers haven’t been replaced in a while, now is probably a good time to get new ones. They typically need replacing every year or so.
It’s also worth taking a look at your brake pads. If they’re worn down quite a bit, you should fit new ones to your car. Brake pads typically need replacing every two to three years, so this step may not be necessary if your vehicle is relatively new.
A multi-point inspection performed by one of our professional auto technicians is a quick and effective way to identify any other potential problems. The inspection includes your brake lines, drums and pads, steering system, lights, and other important components. After the inspection, our mechanic can present you with an overview of the results and make any suggestions for work that should be done before you hit the road.
Clean Your Car
One aspect of preparing your car that some people may overlook is cleaning it inside and out. Driving with a dirty car doesn’t just look bad but can also cause damage to its body and components. Over time, corrosive materials like road salt build up on your vehicle and need to be washed off. You’ll be spending a lot of time inside your cabin, so your passengers will appreciate a clean environment.
Cleaning your vehicle doesn’t have to be time-consuming. You can stop by a local carwash for the best results and vacuum your car’s interior at home.
Consider Upgrades for Off-Roading or Towing
If your road trip will involve towing a heavy load, such as a camper or boat, you should investigate some of the towing and trailering packages offered by Chevrolet for its trucks and crossovers. These packages include things like upgraded trailer hitches, trailer braking systems, and surround-view cameras to give you more control behind the wheel. Our service center can provide you with advice on your options for customizing your ride.
We also have optional extras to improve your Wrangler or Gladiator’s performance off the beaten track. These can include things like suspension upgrades, all-terrain tires, and skid plates.
Think About Other Vehicle Accessories
If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage during your road trip, you may want to accessorize your vehicle to maximize space. For instance, you can purchase an organizer for your cargo area to help store bags, clothes, and other belongings. To create a more comfortable cabin, you can opt for some new floor mats or seat coverings. All these accessories and more are available through our Mopar parts department, where you can place an order to get exactly what you require.
We’d be happy to help you get your crossover or truck all set for your road trip. At our Lewisville service center, you can schedule an appointment for a tune-up, general maintenance, and any auto repairs your vehicle requires. Our technicians work to the high standards you’ve come to expect from Chrysler or Jeep, whether they’re changing your engine oil or performing a wheel alignment.
If you have any outstanding questions about how to prepare for your road trip, don’t hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, get in touch to let us know what you think of our guide. Did our tips help you enjoy your journey? Did we miss something you’d like to pass on to our customers? Contact us today, and we’ll be sure to include your feedback in one of our future blog posts.