Road trips are a staple of winter travel; that’s why you should have a road trip check-up routine before hitting the road. Read these tips by Synthetic Oil Outlet in Staten Island, NY, for more information. 

Check Oil Levels and Other Fluids

The first step in your road trip check-up is ensuring your vehicle is ready for a winter road trip is to check the oil and other fluids your engine relies on to work properly. Oil should be at the correct level and clean of any dirt or debris. If you haven’t changed it in a while, this might be a perfect moment to do so as oil should be changed every six months or 3000 miles if using regular oil, or 7,500 if using synthetic. Once you’ve checked your oil, take a look at the other fluids like coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer. These should be at the correct level and free of grime to work correctly and keep your engine running in top condition.

Check Your Engine and Air Filters

Next up is checking your engine and air filters. The central role of air filters is to capture any road particles that could damage the engine, like debris and dirt. Changing your filters regularly can ensure only clean air enters your engine, thus making it work properly for longer. Experts suggest you change your filters every other oil change, but you should always check your owner’s manual for detailed maintenance instructions.

Having a maintenance routine for your vehicle is a great way to keep your engine running smoothly. The professionals at Synthetic Oil Outlet can guide you to the best products for your road trip check-up, like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil. For more information, visit the online store or call (718) 354-0548.

Inspect Hoses and Drive Belts

Inspecting your hoses and drive belts is also essential for your road trip check-up to ensure your engine is working correctly. From the underside of your car, take a look and ensure all hoses are in good condition and that they don’t present any cracks, bulges, or tears. Having a leak could cause a loss of essential fluids and cause a system malfunction. Once you’re down there, take a look at your drive belts and look for glazing on the sides, which could cause the belt to overheat and crack.

Know Your Car’s Battery Charge

Your battery is also an essential part of your engine. Batteries usually last from 3 to 5 years, depending on how well you’ve taken care of them. Even if the battery is still in its lifecycle, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on its charge and how well it’s performing overall. If you’re worried it’s not holding charge like it used to, it might be a good idea to take it to a car parts and supplies shop to get it tested to see how well it retains power.

One way to ensure a safe and fun road trip is to keep up with your car’s maintenance. Do so by consulting with the oil experts from Synthetic Oil Outlet about the best products for your engine. For more information, visit the online store or call (718) 354-0548.

Review Your Tires’ Condition

An essential road safety rule is always to have tires in good condition. That’s why you should inspect your tires regularly, but more importantly, when you’re going to be on the road for long periods or driving many miles. It’s essential to have good tires when driving in complicated weather conditions like winter presents. Before leaving, ensure your car has winter tires specially designed to grip wet and snowy roads better and have better performance in freezing temperatures. Before leaving, ensure they’re properly inflated and free of any cracks, bulges, or foreign objects embedded in them, and always ensure your spare tire is inflated and in good condition in case you need to replace one of your tires on the road.

Inspect Your Windshield, Lights, and Horn

Lastly, three essential safety precautions are to check your windshield, horn, and lights before driving off. Your windshield should be free of cracks that could obstruct your vision. Your lights should work well to help you light the road, and your horn should be in working order as well.

The proper maintenance can ensure road trips and long drives won’t wear down your car’s engine. Call the friendly oil pros at  Synthetic Oil Outlet at (718) 354-0548 today and get excellent advice on the best products for your vehicle. Once you’re ready to place an order, visit their online store 24/7.