Thinking of going away for the weekend, when it’s safe to do so? Before you pack your bags, it’s important to conduct a pre long drive inspection. Why? Well, I don’t know about you, but the last thing I would want is for my car to break down in the middle of the highway. Inspections are important to ensure that your car is in good condition to drive for a long period of time, and doesn’t have any major issues that may impact your trip. Here are 4 things you should look for during a pre long drive inspection:

1. Walk Around to Check for Physical Defects
   Always check the body of the vehicle, thoroughly. Check the wipers to ensure they work properly, check the body of the vehicle for any physical damage, and check the windows for any cracks! It’s best to check your headlights and rear lights in case one or more of them is out. Sometimes, you may find hidden physical damage that you weren’t aware of before – you can thank yourself later for this.
2. Check The Tires
   Check all tires to ensure they are not deflated or over-inflated. The best way to check this is to use a tire gauge. If you’re not sure what the recommended pressure for your tires is, check the vehicle’s owner manual. Here’s a pro tip – ensure that you have a spare tire before leaving, just in case you need it! It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
3. Check Under the Hood
   Under the hood is where the heart of the vehicle is. Check for transmission, brake and power-steering fluids, engine oil, and coolant levels. Next, check to ensure the fan belt is in good condition, and the air filters are clean. The last thing you want is to be breathing in dirty air the whole long drive.
4. Check your Interior
   Lastly, before leaving for the weekend, conduct a check of the vehicle’s interior to ensure everything is clean, the dashboard lights are working, and all seat belts are working. Safety is the key here. Lastly, be sure to clean out the dashboard to ensure the owner’s manual and insurance papers are there.

Long drives can be fun, and a great way to spend quality time with family and friends, but it’s very important to conduct a thorough check of your vehicle to avoid any issues while on the road. If you happen to discover any physical damage or need your oil/fuel levels to be topped, be sure to bring it to Warrenton Auto! We’d love to be a part of your successful road trip. Contact us today for more information.