At Bock Auto, we provide comprehensive pre-trip inspections to ensure your safety and give you peace of mind on a long haul. This inspection service includes a comprehensive look at the entire vehicle, but below are some of the items we pay special attention to before you hit the road.
Tires
The condition of your tires is one of the most important issues when it comes to making sure your car is ready to take on an hours- or days-long trip. We’ll evaluate your tire tread and condition, check for any potential issues that could arise while driving at highway speeds, and make sure they have the appropriate air pressure according to your vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
Fluids
If your vehicle is coming due for an oil change, you should have its oil changed shortly before your trip to keep from having to deal with that inconvenience while traveling. During our pre-trip inspection, we’ll check the level and quality of your oil, as well as other critical fluids like:
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Washer fluid
- Coolant
- Transmission fluid
Battery and Alternator
The last thing you want on a long trip is to stop somewhere and go to start your car again and hear that dreaded “click, click, click”. At best, this is an uncomfortable situation to be in. At worst, if you’re in a sketchy part of an unfamiliar town, it could be dangerous. Our experienced mechanics will make sure your battery is in good condition and your alternator is fully capable of keeping your battery charged as the car runs.
Belts and Hoses
Your car’s belts and hoses are integral to its ability to keep you on the move. If a belt or hose fails, this is going to leave you stranded. There’s no getting around this one. Our mechanics will inspect your belts and hoses for signs of age or damage, and will recommend replacement if needed.
Heating and Cooling
If you’re going to be in your vehicle for an extended period of time on a long trip, it’s important that your HVAC system works well. We’ll evaluate your heating, cooling, and cabin air filter quality. We’ll check the output temperature at the vents, and we’ll recommend any needed repairs to make sure your heater or air conditioner is up to task.
Brakes
Along with your tires, belts, and hoses – the brakes on your vehicle are another critical issue that should be checked before a long trip. This is particularly true if you’re noticing that you have excess brake pedal travel (you have to press your brake pedal closer to the floor when bringing your car to a stop) or if your brakes are making squealing or grinding noises when you slow down or stop. If your trip takes you to a mountainous area where you may be forced to ride your brakes on long downhill sections of roadway, we may recommend going ahead and replacing brakes that are getting close to needing replacement.
Lights and Wipers
Before you head out, it’s also key to make sure your lights and wipers are working and in good condition. Your headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and license plate lights should be checked and any failed bulbs replaced as needed. Your windshield wiper blades need to be soft and capable of clearing your windshield in a downpour. If needed, we’ll recommend replacement.
Fuel Efficiency
Avoid paying too much in fuel costs during your road trip by having maintenance performed before you leave. If your air filter is dirty, or if ignition components such as spark plugs are excessively worn, it’s a good time to replace these maintenance items so you can maximize your fuel usage to your destination and back.
Taking Your Vehicle on a Long Trip? Let Bock Auto Repair Make Sure You're Good to Go
Are you planning on taking your car on a long road trip? Before you take your vehicle hundreds or thousands of miles in one go, let our expert team of mechanics make sure it’s safe for you to travel. Call now for an appointment for a pre-trip inspection.
Serving Amagansett, the Hamptons, and surrounding areas for 13 generations.
