Avoid Breakdowns this Spring Season

Springtime is an exciting time of year for many reasons… The sun is shining, snow is melting, the birds are chirping, and nature is coming back to life! Adventure awaits and the roads are begging to be explored. You have been stuck inside for weeks, or months, and now is the perfect time for a weekend getaway. Before you book a room someplace remote, make sure your car is prepared to trek around and get you where you want to be – safely. Don’t let a major breakdown ruin your trip or cost you an arm or a leg in car repairs. Springtime is an exciting time of year for many reasons… The sun is shining, snow is melting, the birds are chirping, and nature is coming back to life! Adventure awaits and the roads are begging to be explored. You have been stuck inside for weeks, or months, and now is the perfect time for a weekend getaway. Before you book a room someplace remote, make sure your car is prepared to trek around and get you where you want to be – safely. Don’t let a major breakdown ruin your trip or cost you an arm or a leg in car repairs.

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Follow a Pre-Trip Checklist

When is the last time you took a few moments to take a look under your vehicle’s hood? If you don’t know the answer, or you know the car has been sitting in the same place for a period of time, you may be shocked at what you’ll see! Here are some great starting points when getting organized:

Check the Battery

It is a cheap thrill to find yourself with a dead battery while you are already well into your road trip. Take a few moments to look at the battery to make sure you don’t see anything alarming. If you see any corrosion, you’ll want to disconnect the battery and clean the connectors with an old toothbrush or wire brush for difficult to reach build up. You should get into the habit of visually inspecting your battery at least once per year to confirm it is clean and free of residue. It is easy to test your car’s battery at home and can be done by anyone!

Look at Hoses and Belts

Exposure to cold weather makes the rubber in the belts and hoses become less pliable and more brittle. Conversely, heat may cause these components to rupture from pressure or constant flexing. If you’ve noticed a high-pitched sound, whining, or screeching when you drive, you may thank yourself for having a mechanic give you some peace of mind. Are you following a factory recommended maintenance schedule?

Check Fluid Levels

Your vehicle relies on a combination of fluids and oils to help keep everything running efficiently and smoothly. During regular vehicle maintenance, it is common for fluids to be checked and replaced as needed, but it is still wise to check for yourself before embarking on a trip.

Oil: Changing your oil (and filter) regularly is one of the easiest ways to help your car run at optimal efficiency. Oil is critical for ensuring every small piece of the engine is well lubricated and moving without obstruction. When the engine is working without sufficient oil, it has to work much harder than it typically would. Don’t risk the potential engine damage when an oil change is quick and painless.

Windshield Wiper Fluid: It doesn’t take long for road grime, dead bugs, and filth to build up on your windshield. It starts off small with a speck of dirt on one side but before you know it the entire window is cloudy and difficult to see through. Believe it or not, the windshield wipers and fluid are a small but important safety feature for any driver. Being able to see the road clearly makes all the difference.
Brake Fluid: When your brake fluid is low, you’ll notice that the brake pedal doesn’t move as effortlessly as it once did. You may hear a grinding or screeching sound as you depress the pedal, and it feels like it takes longer for your car to come to a complete stop. Driving under these conditions for an extended period of time will cause uneven wear and tear on brake pads, rotors, and shoes. Make sure to address any concerns with the the brake system before packing your bags!
Power Steering Fluid: When your vehicle is low on power steering fluid, you will feel it right away. If it is requiring your arm muscles to turn the wheel, you’ve identified the problem. As soon as you begin to hear a loud noise coming from the steering column, and it is becoming more difficult to turn, you should book an appointment for a Vehicle Courtesy Check right away.
Transmission Fluid: : Do you know where your car’s transmission fluid reservoir is located? Chances are you haven’t thought to look! Many car owners don’t consider checking this fluid level, but the action of checking could save you a lot of headache later. It is suggested that transmission fluid be replaced every 36,000 miles or every 3 years. If you’ve got questions about transmission repairs or service we’ve got the answers!

Test the Headlights, Taillights, Brake Lights, etc.

Lights burn out and when it happens on your car, it is even more important to replace them promptly. Heading on a road trip is the perfect time to take a stroll around your car to confirm all lights are functioning as desired. Burnt out brake lights can lead to accidents, faulty headlights make terrain difficult to see, and may interfere with your ability to make judgement calls on the road. Drop by your local AAMCO Colorado today for any of your electrical system needs.

Need Help with Getting Your Car Prepped for a Road Trip?

Is Spring cleaning already getting your heart racing and making you stressed out? Don’t worry about keeping track of everything, let the experts at AAMCO Colorado help you get your car ready to drive you anywhere you want to go. Whether you need seasonal car care and repairs or help identifying an odd noise under the hood, we’ve got the skills to handle your car trouble. Give us a call today!

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Avoid Breakdowns this Spring Season

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