As the summer heat hits St. Louis, many people decide a road trip is in order! As the owner of a St. Louis used car, it’s a good idea to schedule a summer car checkup before you hit the pavement, to make sure your trip is completed safely and problem free.

From The Outside
Walk around the car and look at the tires. Do they have enough tread and are the tires wearing evenly? Check that each tire has the right amount of air pressure. Keep a real spare tire in the trunk or back of the truck before heading out on a road trip – the little donut spare tires are only designed to get you safely off the highway and to the nearest service station to buy a replacement tire. Save yourself the trouble by preparing in advance.

Air and Cooling Systems
Since you’re thinking about a summer road trip, it’s a good idea to service the air conditioning to keep you comfortable in the hot sun. Check the belts and compressor clutch, and refrigerant level. Have a mechanic or someone knowledgeable check out the water pump, radiator, heater core, belts and hoses and cooling fans of the cooling system to prevent overheating.

Basic Mechanics and Fluids
Make sure to check the front end, including tie rod ends, steering components and ball joints. As you should with any trip, also make sure your oil change and filter are up to date and check for any leaks. Check the car’s owner manual for recommended transmission service, and if you’re reaching the miles for service, have it checked out. At a minimum, check for transmission fluid leaks, and make sure the fluid is clean.