Maintenance Services You Need Before Taking a Long Trip

Summer is the perfect time to take a long trip in your car. Summer’s heat, however, can make this a stressful time for your vehicle. Make sure you have these five maintenance services performed so you and your car can stay safe on the road.

Have the Engine Oil Checked

Most Ford vehicles manufactured within the last few years can drive between 7,500 and 10,000 miles before they need oil changes. Taking a long trip, however, will put more strain on your engine than daily driving. That makes it a good idea to have your mechanic check the engine’s oil level.

Even if you have had your car’s oil changed recently, it may still need a top off that will prevent damage while you travel.

Get the A/C Inspected

You don’t want to spend several hot summer days driving without an air conditioner. Having a professional inspect the air conditioner will also help ensure that you address any problems that could cause your engine to overheat.

When you take your vehicle to the mechanic, have someone:

• Measure the system’s pressure to find potential leaks
• Inspect the compressor and evaporator
• Add coolant if needed
• Look for coolant leaks

Take Care of Your Tires

Your tires are an important safety feature, so don’t forget to check them closely for signs of damage. Unless you haven’t bought new tires in a few years, you probably won’t need to before your trip. You may, however, need to have your tires rotated.

A rotation extends the life of your tires by moving the front ones to the back and vice versa. This not only saves you money but improves your vehicle’s safety by making sure you don’t drive on worn treads.

Taking care of your tires will also give your car’s fuel efficiency a boost so you spend less time stopping for fuel.

Update Your GPS Map Database

Your Ford’s GPS system uses a map database to help you get where you’re going. Over time, these maps can get outdated. That means your system doesn’t have accurate information to help you choose efficient routes.

Other types of data that can become outdated include:

• Speed limits
• Road names
• Points of interest
• Turn restrictions
• Gas station locations

Whether you’re just visiting another city in Tennessee or you’re driving across the country, you should update your maps database before leaving home. That way, you’ll have the most recent information to help you reach your destination quickly with less stress.

Inspect the Electrical Equipment

Your car’s electrical equipment includes important safety features like its horn, windshield wipers, and lights. Have an expert inspect these items to make sure they work perfectly. You may also want to ask your mechanic whether you need to carry extra fuses during your journey. That way, you can make minor repairs when something fails. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s a good idea to have spares just in case.

Taking a road trip is a great way to see the world. By getting the right maintenance services for your car, you’ll make sure you have fun and avoid trouble during your trip.

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Tags: A/C, Electrical Equipment, GPS, Oil, Tires
Posted in Car Maintenance & Service, Car Tips, Ford Care | Comments Offon Maintenance Services You Need Before Taking a Long Trip