Automotive Maintenance Checklist for Road Trips

Safety Checklist for Road Trips

Okay, you are prepared to give your automobile a once-over with a fine-tooth comb, but where do you begin? Your road trip checklist should focus on the 3 major areas: Fluids, Wheels and Tires, and Maintenance. While not an exhaustive list, if you extensively inspect these areas your possibility of a nonstop journey get better.

Get Your Fluids Checked

• Engine Oil – As we mentioned above, you’ll need to ensure that the oil has been changed recently.
• Transmission Fluid – Be sure to consult your owner’s manual to see the intervals at which to have it changed. If it’s overdue, you’ll want to change it out.
• Radiator fluid – See to it that your antifreeze is full for optimum performance and check your owner’s manual to see if it needs to be changed.
• Brake Fluid – Being able to brake effectively can mean the difference between a collision or avoiding one. If you are not sure, get it inspected
• Windshield Wiper Fluid – If you’re going to be putting in some seat time you’re most likely to hit some insects or other road debris. Make certain your windshield wiper fluid container is full to get the crud off. Wiper fluid is pointless without good wipers, so change your wipers while you’re there.

Tires & Treads

• Tire Tread – See to it there are no bald spots and that you have lots of tread left. Double-check for any leaks that require attention. If they can not be fixed, change them.
• Air Pressure – Ensure that your tires are inflated to the right pressure and that they all have equal pressure in each tire.
• Rotation – Ensure that your tires don’t need to be rotated. Tires that aren’t balanced/rotated appropriately can wear unevenly and have a frustrating vibration.
• Spare Tire – Whatever you examine on your main tires, do it for your spare tire also.

Regular Maintenance Issues

• Light Bulbs – Worn out headlights and taillamps can be a safety threat, so make certain they work normally. While you are at it, examine your directional signal lights and parking lights. You might want to also upgrade to LED bulbs for brighter light and lower power usage
• Air Filter – If you’re like most of us, your air filter needed changing years ago. It’s easy to do, isn’t very expensive, and can aid with better gas mileage.
• Belts and Hoses – If you aren’t a mechanic, this might be a little challenging but it can, in fact, be rather basic. First thing is to search for fractures in the hoses, then press the hoses to see if they seem weak. Hoses need to feel really rubbery, if they feel really brittle or have cracks you must replace them. Search for leaks on your hoses, specifically where they attach to other components. Ultimately, checks the belts to make sure they aren’t loosely connected or have missing notches. A broken belt and/or hose can rapidly destroy your journey and your engine.
• Battery – See to it that the battery terminals are not corroded and that the +/- terminals are tightened. If your automobile starts slowly you might require a new battery.
• Brakes – Being able to break your vehicle capably is key in staying clear of crashes. Changing your brake fluid, replacing the brake pads, and obtaining brand-new rotors might be needed to have a risk-free vehicle for your trip.

Test Drive Your Car Before the Road Trip

You know your vehicle better than any person. Take it out for a quick drive to see if something feels off. This isn’t a pleasure cruise so shut off the radio and concentrate. Does your automobile draw to one side when braking heavily? Does your A/C blows cold air? If something feels a little off, you should have a certified technician take a look into it.

Schedule Your Car’s Road Trip Maintenance Today

Schedule your car road trip maintenance service at Gene Messer Toyota. We are your trusted source for all your vehicle service needs in the Lubbock area. Schedule an appointment by phone, in-person, or online today. Our certified technicians are on hand to serve you and your vehicle!

Auto Road Trip Maintenance in the Lubbock area | Gene Messer Toyota

DealerRater Mar 27, 2025

Gene Messer Toyota is a top-notch dealership. The space is clean, bright and well-organized. The staff is welcoming and kind. We enjoyed working with them.

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DealerRater Mar 26, 2025

Very friendly and professional. The service staff treated my trucklike it was their own. Thank you

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DealerRater Mar 26, 2025

I am very satisfied still and at peace with the services I get, made my care safe to drive. The only thing that I am not happy about is that I had ana appointment at 0745 am and got the car at almost 4pm. Am hoping next time I would get update that it would take long so I can also be productive of the day rather than keepin’ on waiting.amidst all this staff Kolby is amazing.Thank you gene messer Toyota.

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DealerRater Mar 23, 2025

They do a good job and they are friendly. The wait time is okay too.

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DealerRater Mar 22, 2025

Outstanding service to my vehicle. Did not have any worries about the work on my vehicle.

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