🚗 10 Things to Check on Your Car Before a Road Trip
From A+ Japanese Auto Repair | San Carlos, CA
Planning a road trip? Before you hit the open road, make sure your car is ready for the journey ahead. At A+ Japanese Auto Repair, we’ve helped thousands of Bay Area drivers stay safe on the road—and we know exactly what can go wrong if your car isn’t road-trip ready.
Here’s a quick and easy 10-point checklist to help you prepare your vehicle and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
1. ✅ Check Engine Oil
Make sure your oil is clean and at the proper level. If it’s been a while since your last oil change, do it before your trip.
🔧 Pro Tip: Dirty oil = engine wear. Come see us for a quick oil service!
2. ✅ Inspect All Fluids
Check and top off these essentials:
Coolant/antifreeze
Brake fluid
Transmission fluid
Windshield washer fluid
Power steering fluid
Running low on any of these? Stop by—we’ve got you covered.
3. ✅ Tire Pressure & Tread
Properly inflated tires help with fuel economy and safety. Also check for:
Uneven wear
Cracks or bulges
Low tread depth
🛞 Don’t forget your spare tire!
4. ✅ Brake System
If you hear grinding, squeaking, or feel vibrations when you brake, don’t ignore it. Brakes are your #1 safety feature.
📍 Visit A+ Japanese Auto Repair for a free brake inspection.
5. ✅ Battery Check
Is your battery over 3 years old? Get it tested before your trip to avoid a dead battery on the highway.
⚡ Look for corrosion around the terminals or slow engine starts.
6. ✅ Windshield Wipers
Visibility is everything. Replace wipers if they leave streaks or squeak.
💦 Also top off your windshield washer fluid!
7. ✅ Lights & Signals
Test:
Replace any dim or burned-out bulbs before you leave.
8. ✅ Air Conditioning & Heat
Make sure your climate control system works—especially if you're traveling in extreme weather. No one wants a broken A/C in 100° heat.
9. ✅ Belts & Hoses
Check for cracks, fraying, or signs of wear. These parts are small but can cause major breakdowns if they fail mid-trip.
🛠️ Not sure what to look for? We’ll inspect them for you.
10. ✅ Emergency Kit
Always travel with:
📅 Book Your Pre-Trip Inspection Today
At A+ Japanese Auto Repair in San Carlos, CA, we specialize in Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, and other Japanese vehicles. Let our expert techs make sure your car is ready for your next adventure.
📍 Proudly serving the Bay Area since 1997
📞 Call (650) 595-2277 or book online