Summer is almost here!  The kids are getting out of school and now it's time for your annual Summer driving ROAD TRIP!  While you are busy planning and preparing for this year's ultimate family vacation we recommend you take the time necessary to make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey too.  There is nothing worse than experiencing an unexpected breakdown when you are far from home on your way to Disney or the Grand Canyon.  So, if you follow these simple car care tips, then your family and your vehicle will have a wonderful time this summer.

Where the Rubber Meets the Road:

Let's face it, our tires are probably the most used, abused and neglected part of our cars.  This is true for most of us, even though our tires are our vehicle's connection to the road surface and therefore keep us safely and firmly attached to it.  Before heading out on your trip let us inspect your tires.  We will look for uneven wear, cupping, cuts, punctures, and more.  Changing a tire on a busy highway or desolate road is no way to spend your precious vacation time so let us keep you safe along the way.

Lighting the Way:

Many, but not all, of today's sophisticated automobiles have warning lights to let you know when an exterior bulb has blown out.  Besides risking a ticket, a blown side marker, taillight or headlight can be dangerous too.  Our technicians can inspect your bulbs, sockets and wiring to ensure everything is in proper working order.  And, for a nominal fee we can polish your dull headlight lenses to restore their full brightness and help light the way for your driving pleasure and safety.

Rise and Shine:

While it may only be true in theory..."the better our vehicle looks...the better we'll take care of it...the better it will run."  Now that summertime is here its important to refresh your vehicle's appearance with a thorough interior and exterior cleaning.  Winter's harsh conditions can take a toll on paint surfaces so be sure your's gets a good detailing with deep cleansers, fine polishers, and long-lasting waxes.  The interior should be disinfected, shampooed, and treated for surface longevity too.  Our detail department has the products and skills to help restore and maintain your vehicle's appearance so it can shine all summer long.

Stay Hydrated:

Your vehicle, much like your body, will not last long without the proper fluids.  Before heading out this summer, its important to have our technicians check all your vehicle's fluids to ensure they are in top condition and at proper levels.  The fluids in your vehicle break down and become contaminated over time so they should be flushed out and replenished regularly.  This check includes your hoses, engine oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid and more.  Be sure your vehicle stays properly hydrated this summer.

It Wasn't Me!:

Ok, it's bound to happen during summer road trips...your driving along when all of a sudden, a foul odor fills the car and everyone says...ok, who did that!?  Well, it may just be that the odor has nothing to do with the chili dogs the family had last night and more to do with the vehicle itself.  Your vehicle's A/C system can sometimes produce foul or weird odors indicating the possibility of mold or mildew in the duct work.  And, if you notice the air isn't blowing as hard as it use to you may have a clogged cabin air filter.  Let our technician's check your A/C system to ensure your ducts are clean, your filters are breathing properly and your cold air temperature at the vents is wear it should be.  This check will ensure that no one IN your car gets blamed for a smell FROM your car!

License and Registration Please:

Hopefully, you won't here those words from a local official while on vacation.  However, if you do, its important to be prepared by making sure your vehicle's license plates and inspection are current.  You also want to be sure your driver's license is not expired.  We can't help you with the latter, but we can make sure your inspection is up-to-date and that all the things an officer might notice on your vehicle's exterior are in proper working order.

I Can See Clearly Now:

Part of the thrill of a road trip is all the sights there are to see along the way.  If your side windows are dirty, scratched or simply won't roll down then the sights will be harder to see.  Also, if your wiper blades are worn they will not only impede your visibility looking forward, they may also make for dangerous driving conditions when it's raining.  Most people think wiper blades can last for years, but the reality is they are usually only good for about a year at best.  Make an appointment to let us check your wiper blades and vehicle glass before heading out. Our labor rates are very competitive so let our technicians fix your side windows, get you a replacement windshield or simply replace your wiper blades to make the roadside sights a whole lot clearer.

Get Your Motor Running...Head Out on the Highway!

Schedule an appointment with us before you leave on your next ROAD TRIP and make this year your best vacation ever!