Whether it’s to visit family for the holidays or to enjoy a school break, a lot of people choose to travel by car, especially during the summer when the road conditions are better.

In order to ensure a smooth road trip experience, it is
crucial to conduct a pre-emptive vehicle inspection prior to embarking on
extended journeys.

There are many items that should be checked during a car’s pre-trip
inspection and the whole process can be a little confusing. That’s why to
assist in maintaining your vehicle’s optimal condition, we have developed a
comprehensive checklist that covers all the essential aspects to remember
before setting off on your journey.

Below are 7 essential car components that should be checked over before traveling!

Check Your Tires’ Conditions

In Victoria, the winter season brings consistent rainfall and occasional snowfall, posing a risk of driving on wet roads and potential hydroplaning for travelers. Conversely, during the summer, the roads are dry and temperatures soar. It is vital to remember that your vehicle’s tires experience diverse conditions throughout the year, underscoring the utmost importance of conducting a thorough inspection before embarking on any extended road trip.

Having “bald” tires is likely the most common issue involving your car’s tires. Driving with bald tires can reduce driving stability since they have less grip on the asphalt. To check whether your tire is bald (i.e., has lost its original characteristics and does not adhere so well to the ground), you need to look at the tread wear indicator. This is a small bulge in the tire, often indicated by the abbreviation “TWI”, which marks the threshold of 1.6 millimeters. If the rubber of the tire is flush or below this marker, your tire is considered ‘bald’ and it’s time for a fresh rubber.

It is also important to remember to check your tire pressure regularly. Ensure that the car’s tire pressure aligns with the specifications provided by the manufacturer. Driving with flat or under-inflated tires can lead to increased instability and longer braking distances, resulting in higher fuel consumption and can ultimately making your trip that much more expensive.

Add ‘Wheels’ to the Road Trip Checklist: People usually remember to check their vehicle’s tires, but forget about the wheels! Having cracks or dents in your wheels is more common than you think, so be sure to include this assessment in your road trip checklist. This way, you are able to avoid damage to your car’s suspension, braking system, and most importantly, you significantly reduce the chances of an accident.

Balancing Your Vehicle’s Wheel Alignment

The wheels also need to be aligned and balanced, but always remember,
these are two separate procedures that have complementary functions.

In the process of wheel alignment, the angles of the wheels are adjusted to restore them to the original specifications set by the manufacturer. Have you ever experienced the sensation of your car pulling to one side while driving? This is a common indication of misaligned wheels. Driving a vehicle with misalignment requires the driver to exert more effort, resulting in a more tiring (pun intended) journey. Moreover, it has negative effects on the tires, causing accelerated rubber wear.

The wheel balancing process, on the other hand, is done to distribute the weight equally around the tire’s circumference. When this process is done, it makes the wheels rotate without causing vibrations in the vehicle, making it more comfortable for the passengers, as well as increasing the tires’ life span.

It is recommended to perform these two procedures every ten
thousand kilometers driven. However, it is advisable to have a checkup before traveling,
even if you haven’t reached this distance yet.

If you are going on a road trip soon, it may be time
to book an
appointment for a preventive maintenance inspection!

Inspect Your Car’s Brake System

It is important to make sure that your car’s brake system is
working properly before driving at high speeds. When inspecting your car prior
to a road trip, remember to have the following components of the brake system
looked over:

• Brake discs and pads
• Drums, shoes and linings
• Brake fluids
• Wheel cylinders

Following the inspection, it may be necessary to replace the brake pads in the braking system. In such cases, the new components may require a few kilometers to properly integrate with the other parts. During this adjustment period, the braking system may exhibit slight compromises. To account for this, it is advisable to avoid abrupt or sudden braking if possible. Additionally, consider driving the vehicle around the city before embarking on the road trip to ensure the system is functioning smoothly and efficiently.

When dealing with brake fluids, it is important to check both the fluid levels and their effectiveness. It can be challenging since the fluid may appear to be in the correct quantity but could be old and not functioning optimally. Typically, brake fluid has a lifespan of either 2 years or twenty thousand kilometers. If, during an inspection, it is determined that the fluid’s efficiency is compromised, it is advisable to replace it before embarking on your travels.

Find Out if Your Brake System is in Good Condition Before Travelling

Don’t Forget About Your Car’s Suspension

The suspension system is another critical component that, if
damaged, can have detrimental effects on other parts of your vehicle and lead
to unnecessary complications. Additionally, a properly functioning suspension
system is vital for ensuring passenger comfort during the journey.

During your road trip car maintenance routine, it is important to inspect the shock absorbers for any signs of damage, check for fluid leaks in the suspension system, and examine the springs for rust, cracks, or unevenness. These checks will help ensure that the suspension components are in good condition and capable of providing a smooth and safe driving experience.

Check Your Car Fluids

Your engine depends on a number of fluids to function properly. When they dry out or lose quality (it might be because they are sitting there for too long), the entire operation of the vehicle can be compromised.

Be sure to check (or have inspected) the following car
fluids before your big trip:

• Engine oil
• Coolant
• Power steering fluid
• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid

Vehicle’s Electrical System

Your car’s electrical system will be working really hard
during your trip. Your vehicle’s lights, for example, are a vital way of
communicating with other drivers, so it is essential that they are in working
condition before hitting the road.

As part of your car maintenance routine, it is essential to check the operation of various lighting components including: turn signals, brake and reverse lights, hazard warning lights, and high and low-beam headlights. Additionally, assess the condition of the battery to ensure it is prepared for high-demand usage.

In addition to the items mentioned, it is also worth inspecting other components such as windshield wipers, an air conditioning system, and your audio system. Functional wipers will ensure clear visibility during adverse weather conditions, a properly working air conditioning system will provide comfort during the trip, and a functional audio system will enhance your road trip experience with your favorite playlist!

Don’t Forget About These Additional Safety Checklist Items

Lastly, it is crucial to include a thorough inspection of
your car’s safety items in your travel checklist. Ensure that the rubber on the
windshield wipers is not excessively dry, and check the condition of the jack,
wheel wrench, and reflective warning triangle/cone. If you carry a fire
extinguisher in your vehicle, remember to check its expiration date and replace
it if necessary. These safety measures contribute to a safe and well-prepared
journey.

Conclusion

Conducting a thorough inspection of your car before
embarking on a road trip is of utmost importance, as it directly impacts not
only the vehicle’s performance but, more importantly, your safety. Performing
preventive maintenance allows you to proactively identify and address potential
issues and anticipate risks that may not commonly arise during city driving but
could easily occur on the road. Prioritizing these checklist items ensures a
safe and secure journey for you and your fellow travelers.

For over 30 years, Searle’s Auto Repair has been
providing high-quality, honest service to the Greater Victoria region. To book your
preventive maintenance prior to your road trip, give us a call at (250)
475-2000 or request
an appointment online.

The post Vehicle Road Trip Checklist for a Safe Journey Ahead! first appeared on Searles Auto.

The post <span class="light">Vehicle</span> Road Trip Checklist for a Safe Journey Ahead! appeared first on Searles Auto.

It is official: spring is here, which means that after a long winter here on Vancouver Island, the heat is on its way. In fact, it may almost be time to start using your car’s air conditioning. With Victoria’s summer months ahead, you want to be sure your AC is operating as efficiently as possible to remain cool and comfortable in your vehicle. Unfortunately, as vehicles age, air conditioning systems can start to malfunction, or fully stop working. If it seems that your AC is not operating at peak efficiency, here are some things you should know:

How Does a Car’s Air Conditioning Work?

When you
get in your car and turn on the AC – if you are like most people – you probably
don’t think about the whole process that takes place to actually cool the air.
Although it seems simple, the
operation of a vehicle’s air conditioning system is somewhat complex. For you to understand how the
process works, we have first detailed the main components of a basic air
conditioning system. The components are:

• Refrigerant
• Compressor
• Condenser
• Dryer/Filter
  Dryer
• Expansion
  valve
• Evaporator
  coils
• Blower
  Motor/Fan

Next, here is how a modern auto air conditioning system works step-by-step, starting with your compressor:

• The compressor, which is mounted near the front of the engine and is attached to a pulley that is driven by the serpentine belt, receives cool, low-pressure refrigerant gas and compresses the gas to high pressure and temperature. This gas is then sent to the condenser.
• In the condenser, the gas is cooled, changing to liquid form.
• Then, the fluid passes through the filter dryer, where moisture and impurities are removed.
• In the next stage, the liquid refrigerant is sent through the expansion valve, which reduces pressure and temperature.
• Next, the low-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the evaporator, circulating through coils. This causes the liquid refrigerant to begin to boil, changing it back into a low-pressure gas.
• As the refrigerant turns back into a low-pressure gas, it absorbs heat, which reduces the temperature of the evaporator coils. At this point, a blower motor/fan will blow this cool air through the vents in your car’s dash, cooling the cabin of your vehicle.

The process above repeats continuously.

What signs indicate that your air conditioning is not working?

Now that
you understand how a car’s AC works, it’s time to learn how to identify flaws
in the system. Here are the most common signs and
symptoms of an AC system that is not operating well:

Low
efficiency

If you notice that your car’s air
conditioning is not as powerful as it used to be, the following may be the root
cause:

• Accumulation
  of dirt in the cabin filter
• Accumulation
  of dirt and debris in the condenser
• Refrigerant
  gas leakage
• Compressor
  inefficiency

When it comes to older cars, there is always a higher probability that problems will occur in the air conditioning system. For instance, it is possible that a hose in the system has punctured due to degradation over time, causing the refrigerant gas to leak. Alternatively, an AC compressor will eventually start to lose efficiency. If you notice a sharp drop off in your car’s AC output, it could also be due to a loose or damaged serpentine belt. If you think that your vehicle is experiencing one or multiple of these common AC issues, check out our auto air conditioning repair services today.

Unpleasant smell

Another
common symptom of bad AC is the presence of unpleasant smells from
the air vents. In most cases, this problem is related to the accumulation
of dirt, fungus, or bacteria in the system (this issue is commonly seen here in Victoria BC, where our climate is
quite humid).

Luckily,
the presence of unpleasant odors in your AC is generally
a simple fix; most
likely, a thorough cleanup of the vents and replacing the cabin filter will
solve the problem.

Presence of moisture inside the cabin

When in
perfect working condition, the car’s AC generates cooled air without any kind
of moisture or humidity. So, if you notice some water dripping inside the vehicle
and your car floor is getting wet, this is possibly an underlying issue with
your car’s AC system. Wet floors and excess moisture are typically caused by
one of the following:

• A blocked condensate drain, or a condensate drain that
  is not properly attached to your ventilation system
• Critically low refrigerant levels

Bad air conditioning got you down? Contact Searles Auto Today – we will help you quickly identify and fix your vehicle’s AC issues.

How to take care of your car’s air-conditioning?

Like with most systems in a
modern vehicle, preventative maintenance will go a long way toward ensuring the
long-term efficiency of your car’s air conditioning system. Here are some tips and basic precautions that
will keep your car’s AC in good working condition:

• It is recommended to replace the cabin air filter regularly (about every
  20,000-30,000 kilometers), especially if you drive around places that
  are exposed to dust or pollution
• Cleaning and sanitizing the AC! This
  not only ensures that the system is working efficiently, but it is also
  good for your health.
• Turn on the air conditioning from time to time, at
  least once a week (even in the winter). It will prevent the accumulation of
  dirt and dust in the system.

Now that you have a basic understanding of how a car’s AC system works, identifying problems in your car’s air conditioning is not such a complicated task. Generally, taking care of your car and performing regular preventative maintenance on your AC system will prevent you from having to spend extra money on AC repairs, which can be an unexpected headache. That said, if you do need car AC repairs or diagnostics, Searles Auto is here to help. Give us a call at 1-250-475-2000 or make an appointment online today!

The post Signs Your Vehicle’s AC Might Need Repairs first appeared on Searles Auto.

The post <span class="light">Signs</span> Your Vehicle’s AC Might Need Repairs appeared first on Searles Auto.

Taking a few minutes to review summer driving safety tips can make a big difference in knowing what to look out for and how to stay safe on the road.

Take Care of your Car

Regular maintenance is important! Keeping your car in tip-top shape helps prevent big things from going wrong whether you’re on your way to the grocery store or driving across the country.

● Check your fluids, including oil, fuel, windshield wiper fluid, and brake fluid.
● Check your tire pressure.
● Check your lights, including headlights, brights, turn signals, and hazards.
● Make sure your windshield wiper blades are in good condition.

Load your car Thoughtfully

Always make sure that children and pets are buckled in tightly and not running around in the car. Not only can they be distracting to the driver if they’re not buckled up, but if you are in an accident, their safety could be at risk. Don’t forget entertainment, water, and healthy snacks for everyone!

When you load your belongings into the back, keep the following in mind:

● Don’t block the driver’s view – this can be dangerous, especially with heavy traffic.
● Distribute the weight evenly to make maneuvering the vehicle easier.
● If you don’t need it, don’t bring it! Extra weight can affect mileage and isn’t good for your car.
● Don’t forget about the roof, especially if you’re entering a parking garage or going under a low bridge!

Take Regular Driving Breaks

If you have more than one driver, take turns driving! Everyone tires of driving after a while, and when we’re fatigued, our reaction times slow and we’re risking the safety of us, our passengers, and others on the road.

Children and pets will likely appreciate a break too! Rest stops along major U.S. highways are perfect for picnics, food, bathroom breaks, and walking.

Anticipate an Accident and be Prepared

If you are in an accident, things will go smoother if you’re prepared. Have an emergency kit for breakdowns and accidents that includes the following:

● Flashlight,
● Water and nonperishable food,
● Spare tire,
● Phone charger,
● Flares, and
● Jumper cables.

The post Summer Road Trip Tips first appeared on Auto Body Repair Shop Knoxville TN | Dalton Collision.

At the end of each summer, we see all kinds of cars with all kinds of bumps and scratches. Summertime can really be rough on your ride. If you have kids, you know what handlebars, hockey sticks, and carpools can do to an innocent vehicle, right? Have any of your kids ever accidentally ridden their bike straight into your car when trying to navigate in or out of the garage? Are you constantly driving carpools? Sports bags and equipment have a funny way of missing their mark and well…leaving a mark. What about the weather? If you live in Minnesota, you know that hail can strike at any time throughout the summer.

If your vehicle has seen better days and you would like to freshen it up a bit, we’ve got you covered. At American Auto Body, our team of professionals offer dent repair and automobile paint services that will do wonders for the overall look of your car.

Need to submit an insurance claim for damages to your car? Let us take care of the details for you. We work with all insurance companies. We have the capability to handle full claims electronically, from itemized documentation to digital imaging. We know the rules when it comes to insurance claims, and always work to get the best outcome for our clients.

From minor scratches to large dents, the professionals at American Auto Body can help. We try our best to make your experience as hassle-free as possible, with services such as free loaner cars and free pick-up and deliveries. Give us a call today to set up an appointment.

The post The Kids are Going Back To School appeared first on American Autobody.