Whether it’s for a weekend escape or a month-long family vacation, Subaru road trips in and out of Colorado are exhilarating, and it is the driver’s responsibility to make sure that a car is prepared for the long journey down the road, and avoid unwanted mechanical breakdowns that will leave you feeling helpless.

Planning to go on a vacation in your Subaru across the country or a nearby state?  Here are six things you should check before hitting the road.

Fluid Levels

The essential fluids such as motor oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid must be clean, and not dipping below the minimum line.

Oil and Filter

Having fresh filters results in better fuel economy.  Go to your trusted Subaru mechanic in Golden CO for your engine oil and oil filter checks before embarking on a trip.

Cooling System

Check the hose connections for leaks, and damage, and make sure they are secured.  A certified Subaru mechanic in Golden CO can help you conduct a meticulous inspection of this.

Tire Condition

Look out for bubbles and cupping.  You can easily spot them by checking for raised sections of the tire, making them look bumpy in some areas.  You’ll feel this bump as well when you drive at faster speeds.

Check the tire pressure as well.  Every month of use, a tire usually loses around 1 pound of air pressure.  Check the correct tire pressure indicated on the tire placard located along the driver’s door frame.  If you don’t have a pressure gauge handy, you can find one at most gas stations.  If tires are correctly inflated, they avoid blowouts and tread separation and also improve fuel economy, giving you a comfortable ride.

Windshield Wipers

A wiper blade’s life expectancy is about one year.  After a lot of use, they get chewed up, and at a much faster rate during winter.  Check if they are making full contact with the windshield, if they aren’t, replace them immediately.

Battery

Extreme heat and cold can put too much stress on the car battery, so it’s best if you have it tested, or if it’s already three years old, consider replacing it.  It’s better to be sure than to get stuck on the side of the road.

When in Doubt, Go to the Pros

Of course, if you want to skip the hassle and let the pros do the checking instead, you can always go to your trusted Subaru mechanic, who will give your car a road trip inspection service.  They know which major components to check, and they might spot problems that you could’ve missed.

Go to a trusted Subaru mechanic in Golden CO, and enjoy peace of mind as you drive across the country with the people you love. Visit us or call 720-420-0656 today!