
As the weather in NWA is warming up, a lot of local Arkansans are beginning to start daydreaming or planning their upcoming Summer road trips. And there’s a ton of factors that go into a vacation, from where you’ll stay, what you’ll pack, where you’ll go out to eat… and the list goes on. While you’re daydreaming about the sunny days and miles of open road you get to travel, you’ll want to remember that your car needs to be in good running condition to get you there and back! Now is the time to start scheduling your vehicle’s maintenance appointment with our Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Service Department, so that you can embark on your Summer adventure worry-free.
There’s a few key points that should be inspected and maintained regularly in your vehicle, especially when you’re travelling. We wanted to make sure and highlight a few of those this week, so you can be sure to ask your Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Service Advisor to make those their top priority. Let us take care of the work on your vehicle, so all you have to worry about is how many outfit changes and road snacks to pack.
1. Tires
One of the most deflating things that can happen on a road trip is a flat tire. One of the things that a proper tire inspection done by a manufacturer-certified technician is going to be checking for tears, holes, or other weak points in your tire that can cause you to lose air. Additionally, as the tire tread wears down, that can also affect your ability to stop when you need to, especially in wet or rainy weather conditions. Our factory trained technicians are trained to assess all these issues, and can check the tread on your tires to see if it’s time for a replacement. Plus, getting a tire replacement and proper alignment means a much smoother ride for you and your precious cargo.
2. Brakes
Even more important than tires to help your vehicle stop when it needs to, worn brake pads would mean that slowing down or stopping may be difficult or even dangerous. Your safety on a trip is the top priority! Which means new brake pads may need to be installed. You can ask our Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Service Advisors specifically to perform brake inspections to have that peace of mind that your vehicle is ready for the road, and whatever life throws at you on the way. Brake pads generally need replacement about every 25,000 miles, depending on your driving style and vehicle. Be sure to let your Service Advisor know about any issues you’ve noticed as well, such as unexpected noises or squeaks when you brake. That way, they can fully assess if it’s time to change out those brake pads. It’s way easier now, instead of while you’re on your trip.
3. Battery
For the most part, vehicle batteries last around three years. If yours is older than three years old, or have had any recent issues with starting your vehicle, it’s probably the perfect time to get another battery.
In some cases, there’s issues with a battery that can be fixed, instead of a full replacement. Be sure to ask your Service Advisor to double check the battery for problems like leaks, corrosion, or a swollen battery case.
4. Fluids
Regular oil changes are an essential part of vehicle maintenance. But, along with changing out the oil, there’s other fluids that should also be checked and topped off regularly, especially when you’re getting ready to travel. These include:
Brake fluid
Coolant
Power steering fluid
Radiator coolant
Windshield washer fluid
Transmission Fluid
Making sure these are all taken care of will save you from any additional issues while you’re on the road, so you can get where you need without a headache.
5. Lights and Wipers
You can also ask your Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Service Advisor to check that your vehicle’s headlights and taillights are working properly. If you’re driving at night especially, dim headlights can be dangerous, or even illegal. Be sure you’ve got lights that are working properly, so you can remain safe and on the road where you belong.
Old or worn out wiper blades also impact your visibility and safety while driving. If your wiper blades are making noise or aren’t clearing your windshield’s visibility properly, this is the perfect time to get them replaced.
6. Air Filter
Your car or truck’s air filter holds back trash and other particles from getting inside your motor, so it can function properly. If that gets obstructed, that affects your vehicle’s ability to function. Checking an air filter is included in a general Multi-Point inspection by our factory-trained technicians, but you can also be sure to request that it’s specifically checked and/or replaced before your upcoming excursion.
7. Cooling
A broken A/C system means that you can have a very hot and uncomfortable summer trip! Potential issues include:
A blown fuse
A bad clutch
A clogged A/C air filter
A leak in the system
This is the perfect time to have your A/C system checked, so you can enjoy the cool air as you drive all summer long.
Be sure to contact your Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM’s Service Scheduler soon, so you can get all this necessary vehicle maintenance out of the way, at least 2-3 weeks before you plan to travel! You don’t want to get to the day you’re supposed to leave, and have an unexpected issue pop up. Let our knowledgeable staff get your vehicle in travelling shape, so that you don’t have to stress about it later on.
You’re welcome to call our Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Service Department at (479)316-6335 to set up your appointment, or you can also visit our online Service Scheduling tool to set that up, and one of our friendly staff will reach out to confirm your appointment time. Let US take care of the hard work of getting your vehicle ready for your trip, so you can focus on all the fun your upcoming vacation is going to bring!