6 Ways to Prepare your Car for a Summer Road Trip in Colorado Springs

You are looking forward to that summer trip in Colorado Springs – packing up the car, kids, and the cooler. Be sure your air conditioning will keep everyone cool in the summer heat, and that your radiator will do its job and keep the engine cool. What else needs to be checked to keep you from being stranded on the side of a hot highway? Below are a few things to keep in mind.

6 Things to Check To Keep You From Being Stranded in Colorado Springs

Is Your Vehicle Due For An Oil Change?

Or will you exceed the recommended 5,000 miles in between oil changes while you are on your trip? If so, have your vehicle serviced before you leave. Have some experienced eyes look everything over before you leave, and prevent an unexpected layover at a repair shop in Timbuktu!

Have Your Battery Tested.

Contrary to popular belief, batteries die more often in the summer. Extreme changes in temperatures throughout the winter and spring take their toll, and the summer heat speeds up the chemical reactions occurring in your battery. Batteries can die without warning – so have your battery checked before you leave Colorado Springs.

Check Your Tires (don’t forget your spare tire!) Before You Leave The Driveway.

Do you have adequate tread for traction during those summer storms? Check your tire pressure. Tires will wear more evenly, last longer, and perform as intended when inflated to the correct pressure. Feel free to stop in and have a complimentary tire pressure check at any time.

Have Your Brakes Checked Before You Leave

Brakes are the single most important safety item on your car, and it is important that they work when you need them. Brakes and rotors (the metal plate that the brake pads press upon) wear with time and use, and therefore require machining (rotors) and/ or replacement. Replacing brake pads before they are worn out can save money in the long run, because if the brake pads are gone, the metal to metal contact will groove and warp the rotors, requiring replacement ($$$).

Check Your Fluid Levels

Such as: Brake fluid, coolant, washer fluid, engine oil, power steering fluid, transaxle and differential oils. Keep an eye under your car (where you park) for any leaking fluids, and have your fluids checked for adequate level and condition – cloudy, dirty fluids are not as effective in doing their job and they cause accelerated wear on components they were designed to protect.

Check Your Belts and Hoses

Hoses and belts are critical for the systems that keep your engine cool (radiator and coolant) and your battery charged. If either break or leak, the engine can overheat, resulting in catastrophic engine failure or your battery will discharge, leaving you stranded. Check for cracks or leaks in the hoses, and check the belts for cracking or visible fraying.

Don’t wait until your stranded, contact us today and visit one of our two Colorado Springs locations today!

We wish you safe and enjoyable travel this summer, whether you are traveling out of state or doing a “staycation” in Colorado Springs. Don’t forget the beautiful sights in our own city of Colorado Springs and surrounding areas – send Honest Accurate Auto Service your favorite sight to see, best hike or bike route, or fun activity close by!