Road Trip? Check! (Trip Inspection)
February 12, 2023
After months of postponing travel far away from home, a lot of us can't wait to hit the road and scream "Road Trip!" again. But how long has it been since the vehicle you're planning on taking has had a thorough inspection? And is it roadworthy for several days on the highway? Time to schedule a professional trip inspection in our service center.
When it comes to long trips, before you go, make sure you can stop. We can perform a break inspection. Our technician will visually inspect your brakes for wear and how much life is left in the brake pads and rotors. They'll also check your brake lines and fluids for fitness and fill.
If it's going to be a long trip, it's important that your engine stays lubricated. The technician will see when the last time you had an oil change, check the levels and inspect the system for leaks. If you are close to needing an oil change, it's best to have it done before the trip because no one wants to interrupt a vacation with an oil change in a strange place. It's also better for your engine to have fresh, clean oil rather than driving with dirty, worn-out oil.
Comfort in any vehicle depends partly on the suspension system. Our technician can examine shocks and struts so you can avoid an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe journey. Oh, and you'll definitely want to make sure your wheels are aligned. A long trip in an out-of-alignment vehicle can be a driving nightmare with potential steering problems and tire damage.
A couple of little things some drivers take for granted are the engine air filter and wiper blades. A dirty air filter can cost you money by reducing fuel economy; it adds up on a long trip. And worn-out wiper blades can make visibility while driving in a rainstorm a blinding, unsafe adventure that you never want to experience, especially in unfamiliar territory.
If you're in the habit of having your vehicle regularly maintained, many of these items may be in excellent condition. But considering the extra stresses a long road trip places on any vehicle, it's nice to have a set of our trained eyes give your vehicle a closer look. That way you'll be able to gaze YOUR eyes on sights like the Leaning Tower of Niles or the Gopher Hole Museum.
Elite Tire And Auto Care
33729 Plymouth Rd.
Livonia, Michigan 48150
734.427.3100
Need Service?
More articles from Elite Tire & Auto Care

No Charge (Why Won?t My Battery Hold a Charge?)
November 30, 2025
When your vehicles battery is dead, it leaves you with that horrible, helpless feeling. A dead battery means it wont hold a charge, and there are several reasons it wont. One is age. Batteries have chemical and electrical systems in them that create power, and as time goes by, they wont work we... More

I Can See Clearly (Wiper Blade Replacement)
November 23, 2025
Warm weather can bring severe storms, and when the rain is coming down hard, that's one time you really need to be able to see as clearly as possible out your windshield. Having wiper blades that are fit for the job are important to maintain that safe view. Maybe you live in a climate where you ... More

Knowledge is Power (Battery Testing)
November 16, 2025
Its likely happened to you once or twice. You head to your vehicle, open the door, turn the key and lo and behold, your battery is dead. Now youre stranded, may have to get a jump or a tow, and youll definitely be late for wherever you were headed. While your vehicle may sometimes give you warni... More
