Summer heat is rising, the nation is fully opening back up, and masses of Americans are hitting the open road for long-distance adventures. Before you pack up your bags and hop on the highway, it's important that your vehicle is ready to handle the days of long miles in hot sun. At Preferred Automotive, our local mechanics can complete all necessary maintenance tasks to prepare your car for your journey.

Important Road Trip Auto Maintenance Tasks

Prior to departure, you'll want to be sure your vehicle is prepared to keep you as safe as possible. When you bring your car to us for brake service, we'll check over your whole braking system, replace pads if needed, and lubricate relevant parts. If we discover any major brake problems, we'll provide you with an accurate estimate for the repairs. Another important safety task is to check your tire pressure, which typically needs to be at a point between 30 and 35 psi, though you'll want to check your tires to ensure you're meeting their exact pressure requirement. With correct tire inflation, there's much less risk that a blowout will put you in a scary situation. And to keep you safer during a sudden summertime thunderstorm, it's a good idea to replace old wiper blades. When the skies open up, healthy wiper blades will permit better visibility.

You'll also want to complete certain maintenance measures that will help your car to keep the heat in check. During AC service, we'll inspect your AC system and make sure it's working efficiently. A properly functioning AC system will help to keep your family in good spirits when the heat turns blistering. Another maintenance task to regulate the heat is cooling system service. Especially before a long trek through blazing sun, you'll want to make sure your cooling system is in great shape so that you don't risk overheating, which could cause serious engine trouble, such as a cracked block. Coolant usually needs to be exchanged every 30,000 miles, but you can refer to your owner's manual to see how often your car needs this service.

Auto Maintenance in Rockville, MD

If you need auto maintenance before a road trip, contact Preferred Automotive. We can complete any type of repair or maintenance that you need before you set out on your adventure. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!