There aren’t many things more American than traversing the states on a road trip.
Of all the states in the nation, Texas’ wide expanse has some of the most diverse terrains within its borders. A road trip through Texas could mean driving through mountains, hills, grasslands, deserts, forests, swamps, and a variety of coastal terrain.
Depending on what time of year it is, you might also encounter an interesting range of weather which could impact the road and driving conditions. You might find yourself in icy conditions in higher terrain during winter months; flooding after big rains or hurricanes; high heat in the desert; and about everything in between.
There’s a lot of rural countryside roads in the big state of Texas, and it’s possible you might encounter wildlife or downed trees depending on where your drive takes you.
When you’re preparing your car for a Texas road trip, it’s good to have a checklist and be ready for whatever you might encounter.
A truly relaxing trip comes from being prepared and having the peace of mind that your vehicle is in top working condition.
Stewart’s Donnybrook Automotive, a trusted local auto mechanic shop in Tyler, Texas offers car maintenance, engine diagnostics, tire maintenance, oil change services, and other car problem solutions before you hit the open road on your trip.
At the top of your maintenance checklist for a road trip should be to have your tires checked on your car, truck, or SUV.
A faulty tire can cut your trip to a screeching halt. In addition, a flat tire can be more than frustrating—it can also be dangerous. Many roadside fatalities and injuries occur every year because of unsafe conditions while changing a tire. Besides getting your tires inspected and maintained before you travel, it’s a good idea to be prepared with the number for roadside assistance just in case.
When it comes to tire maintenance, don’t forget your spare tire! Too often, people have a flat and find out the hard way that their spare tire is also flat or not in safe, drivable condition. Before you begin your trip, make sure your spare is aired and ready.
Before you begin your road trip, take your vehicle to your local East Texas garage and have them check all your car’s fluids.
What does that mean?
Well, your vehicle has a lot of different fluids that are crucial to keeping it running smoothly and safely. Make sure your local mechanic checks the following:
One obvious maintenance item that often gets overlooked until it’s too late is windshield wipers. Working wiper blades can be a huge factor in driving safely in rainy or snowy conditions. As anyone who’s ever had their wipers go out can agree, working wiper blades means the difference between seeing the road…and not.
If you’re traveling through a lot of potential weather, it’s even a good idea to keep a spare set of wipers in your car just in case.
A dead car battery will put a big damper on your road trip really quickly. Before you start driving, have your local mechanic check your car’s battery to make sure it’s not leaking fluid, corroded, and has full power. A new car battery can be a bit pricey, but it’s worth it to know that your battery is working the way it should and that your car will start when you need it to.
How are your brakes? When was the last time you had them maintained? Do they make squeaking or grinding sounds when you step on them? All good questions to ask before you begin your drive.
If your brakes go out on your road trip it could not only be dangerous, but mean wasting valuable vacation time waiting for them to get fixed. Better to have your brakes inspected before you hit the open road.
Do all of your lights work properly? Headlights and taillights that aren’t working correctly will not only get you pulled over—but can also be really dangerous. Have your mechanic check that all your lights, including blinkers, are working and replace any bulbs necessary.
Once the maintenance aspects of your road trip are handled, you can turn your attention to a few other important details that will help your trip go smoothly and safely.
Make sure you have an emergency kit in your car. The kit should include a range of items and should be packed for the type of trip you’re taking. Extra warm clothes and blankets for cold drives. Extra water for hot weather. And make sure your vehicle has a first aid kit.
Road trips can be amazing, especially in a beautiful, diverse state like Texas. Proper planning and vehicle maintenance can ensure that your trip goes smoothly. Stop by your local Texas auto repair shop for a full maintenance checkup before your next road trip!
