Pre-Trip Inspection: What to Have Checked Before Hitting the Road

A pre-trip inspection might not be one of the more exciting or glamorous things to do when preparing your car to hit the road, but it's one of the most important. A pre-trip inspection ensures that your vehicle will run smoothly and safely wherever you go and will avoid any potential issues that could pop up on the road. Here are some easy steps to perform on your pre-trip inspection so that you can hit the road with confidence and safety.

Visual Inspection

The first thing your mechanic will likely do is a visual inspection of the vehicle to determine if anything needs to be fixed, such as burned-out headlights or taillights, cracked glass, including the windshield, and any loose parts that may cause a problem on the road. Finally, the technician will start the engine to check for unusual noises and to see if any active warning lights are present.

Tires and Tire Pressure

One of the most important things to have checked before heading out on a road trip is the tires and tire pressure. The tread should be within the proper depth, and all tires should be inflated to the proper pressure. Also, your technician will examine the condition of the tires to determine if they are in good shape for your trip.

Windshield Wipers

Another important thing your mechanic should check is your windshield wipers. Not only can they give you a better view of the road, but they could be hazardous if they're not working correctly. Ask the technician these questions when examining your wipers: are both blades in good condition? Are there any streaks or smears on your windshield? Can you see clearly through them? If so, it's time for a new set.

Fluids

A pre-trip inspection is only complete if all the fluids are checked for appropriate levels -- engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and engine oil. It's also crucial that the technician looks for any leaks around the vehicle and checks that all hoses and belts are in good condition.

Battery

Finally, an inspection of your car's battery is important because the last thing you want on a road trip is a dead battery. The technician will check to see if the terminals look clean and are tightly secured. The battery should look relatively clean and in good general condition.Before heading out on a road trip, a pre-trip inspection is a good idea because it will give you peace of mind that your car won't leave you stranded on the open road.