Blog / Chevrolet Dealership Auto Service

Prepping Your Car for a Spring Road Trip

car maintenance check for road trip

Spring is a great time for road trips and new beginnings. While booking your hotel stays and packing your suitcase might be at the top of your to-do list, taking the time to perform a few routine vehicle maintenance checks is important to ensure you're ready for your next adventure. Read on to find out how to get your vehicle ready.

Check Your Vehicle's Battery

Inspect your vehicle's battery to make sure the cable connections are tight. If you notice any corrosion, disconnect the battery and use a wire brush to clean the connectors. It's also a good idea to have a professional inspect your vehicle's battery before your trip, especially if it's over two years old. Consumer Reports recommends having this done annually to assess your battery's remaining capacity. 

Top Off Fluids and Change Filters

Check your vehicle's fluid levels before you hit the open road. This includes your engine oil, windshield washer fluid, coolant, and steering and transmission fluids. Top them off if they seem low. If your vehicle is due for an oil change soon, schedule it before your vacation. The National Highway Safety Administration also recommends having your coolant changed if it's clear or contains floating particles to prevent corrosion.

Once you top off your vehicle's fluids, check the engine air filter. If it's full of debris, replace it with a new one to improve your vehicle's performance and make your road trip more enjoyable. 

Inspect the Tires

Check your tires, including the spare if you have one, to make sure they're in good condition before you leave home. Look for any sidewall bulges, cuts, or gouges. Then assess the condition of each tire by placing a penny upside down between the treads. If the top of Abraham Lincoln's head peeks out over the treads, get new tires before your trip to ensure you arrive at your destination safely. 

Finally, check the tire pressure. You can find the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure in the owner's manual or on the driver's side door sticker. Inflating your tires properly can improve your vehicle's fuel economy and save you money during your trip. 

Double-Check the Brakes

Double-checking your brakes before a long trip is important to make sure you stay safe on the road. If you notice a squealing noise when you brake or any other unusual sounds, have your car inspected by a professional. This can be a sign that the brake pads need to be replaced. Test your brakes before your road trip to see if the pedal feels spongy when you step on it. If it does, top off your brake fluid. 

Test the Lights and Electrical Equipment

Make sure the exterior lights are working, including the headlights, turning signals, and brake lights. Replace any burned-out bulbs to prevent being pulled over in the middle of your road trip. Then double-check your windshield wipers. If they're leaving streaks, it may be time to replace them. Finally, test your air conditioning to make sure it's still working after the winter so you can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing getaway.

Taking the time to inspect your vehicle before your next vacation can help you spend more time on the road and less time in a repair shop. We hope you found these tips helpful. Enjoy your trip! Don’t forget to schedule a car service with us in Tulare, CA. Where our certified technicians are more than to help get your car ready for a safe and fun road trip.

Posted in:

Related Posts

brakejob

Does Your Chevy, GMC, or Buick Need a Brake Repair?

Every Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC vehicle owner loves driving a car known for durability and robust performance. Nevertheless, to keep the pleasure alive, you need to have confidence in the braking system. Here are a few signs it's time to head to the GMC dealer for a brake repair. more Does Your Chevy, GMC, or Buick Need a Brake Repair at the GMC Dealer? Bad Sounds Any unusual noise, like a high-pitched squeak when braking, is a warning that your brake pads are thinning. If you hear a grinding noise, it could mean the brake pads are entirely worn, causing potential harm to the rotors. A rotor repair is a lot more serious (and expensive) than a simple brake pad replacement, so it pays to get this taken care of. Take a Look at Brake Pad Thickness For those comfortable with a bit of hands-on car maintenance, checking the brake pad thickness periodically can be smart. Aim to inspect the brake pads every six months or so, and if the thickness is less than 1/4 inch, it might be time for a replacement. Don't Disregard the Warning Light Your vehicle's dashboard is designed with warning lights to keep you informed about any potential problems. If the brake warning light comes on, it's your car's way of telling you to check the braking system. Treat this notification with urgency and get it checked out promptly. Does the Brake Pedal Feel Different? A soft or spongy feeling when applying the brakes may indicate a problem with the brake fluid or brake lines. If the pedal feels unusually hard to push, it could be a sign of an issue with the power assist mechanism. Has the Vehicle's Braking Behavior Changed? Changes in your vehicle's braking performance should never be overlooked. If the car tends to pull to one side when braking, it could hint at a problem with the brake linings. A vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal may suggest that the rotors are warped and need attention. When to Call Your Dealer If you're unsure or uneasy about diagnosing brake issues, don't hesitate to reach out for professional help. Brake repairs aren't something it's safe to ignore, nor are they something to try to DIY if you're not an experienced mechanic. The safety of you, your family, and everyone else on the road depends on your car's braking system. At Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC, we prioritize your vehicle's health and safety above all. Don't let brake issues sneak up on you. Schedule an appointment with Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC today, and let us take care of your brakes and any other vehicle issues you might have. ​

picnic table

Take the Chevy and Check Out These 4 Parks Near Tulare, CA

Did you know there are several amazing parks within a 30-minute drive from Tulare? They're perfect for an afternoon getaway if you need to escape the city. So, grab your car keys, check out these awesome spots near Tulare, CA and enjoy some fresh air. Del Lago Park Del Lago Park is a beautiful place to visit for both locals and tourists. It is located on the shore of Lake Success, which provides a great place for fishing, swimming, and other water activities. There are also covered picnic areas with tables and barbecue pits available for use by visitors at this park. If you love nature, then you will love visiting this park as well because it offers plenty of hiking trails that lead through some gorgeous landscapes, including grasslands, oak groves, and more! more Cypress Park Cypress Park is a great place to visit if you're interested in hiking or biking. There are several trails that can take you through the park, and the terrain is pretty flat, so it's easy to navigate around. If you're looking for a challenge, there are also obstacles that you can climb over and under on your way through the park. The park has several picnic tables available for use, as well as restrooms and water fountains. Be sure to bring your own food and drinks because there aren't any vendors inside the park. Live Oak Park Live Oak Park is a charming and convenient park that is located just north of the city. It's a great place to spend time with your family, friends, or significant other. The park has a playground, picnic areas, and restrooms. There are also basketball courts and a baseball field for those who want to play sports. A playground is available for kids of all ages to enjoy! Centennial Park This park is located at the corner of South Avenue D and West G Street. It's a great place for kids to play, but it's also open to people of all ages. In addition to the playground, there's a picnic area with tables and BBQs. There are also basketball courts and soccer fields in case you want to get some exercise while you're there. Dogs are allowed in this park as long as they're leashed at all times. There are a lot of options for people who would like to take advantage of the outdoors. There's a place for everyone, and these spots in Tulare definitely won't leave you disappointed. There's nothing better than hopping into your Buick Encore GX to soak in the scenes and the sunshine. Visit us at Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC, where our team will be happy to talk to you about our special offers and our range of amazing cars. Image by Manfred Richter from Pixabay

sequoia-trees-53183_1280

Take the Car and Discover These 3 Best Views Near Tulare, CA

Visitors to Tulare, CA will find great things to see and do. From the world-famous Sequoia National Park to acres of farmland, this small town has something for everyone. If you're looking for the best views, here are four spots you won't want to miss. Sequoia National Park Sequoia National Park is renowned for its magnificent views. The towering giant sequoias, the tallest trees in the world, create a canopy that filters the sunlight and casts dappled light on the forest floor. The Sierra Nevada Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the park, with their jagged peaks covered in snow. In the spring, wildflowers blanket the meadows, and the leaves of the deciduous trees turn golden in the fall. Hiking and camping are popular activities offered at Sequoia National Park, so ensure you load up your camping gear in your spacious Buick Enclave Premium before the trip. Visitors can also take advantage of the many ranger-led programs, which include workshops and Junior Ranger activities. With so much to see and do, Sequoia National Park is an excellent destination for locals and tourists. more Kaweah Oaks Preserve Kaweah Oaks Preserve is an excellent place to take in some stunning views. The 344-acre nature preserve is home to many plants and animals, and it's an ideal place for a hike or a picnic. It's a perfect place for bird watching as many birds can be seen in the preserve, so ensure you bring your binoculars. The preserve is ideal for family outings, as there are plenty of different activities to keep everyone entertained. Various educational programs are also offered at the park, so it's a great place to learn about the local ecosystem. Tulare Golf Course Tulare Golf Course is in the heart of Tulare County and is known for its breathtaking views. The property offers scenic views of the golf course and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The 6,762-golf course design is unique and challenging, even for the most experienced golfers. The fairways are lined with beautiful Eucalyptus trees, and the scenery is breathtaking. In addition to the incredible views, Tulare Golf Course also features an on-site restaurant that serves delicious meals. The restaurant has a patio area where you can enjoy the views while enjoying a meal. Whether you're looking for a challenging round of golf or want to enjoy the scenery, Tulare Golf Course is worth a visit. If you're looking for an incredible driving experience in search of beautiful views, take the car and check out these best spots near Tulare, CA. And if you're looking for a great vehicle to take you on those views, contact us at Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC and schedule a test drive today. Image by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay