Long Road Trip Inspection Tips...

[grizzlyrafting]

I have my truck regularly serviced at my local GM dealer, last visit was in May for a synthetic oil change, lube, tire rotation, etc. I'm leaving suddenly for a long road trip and don't have time to make an appointment to have it checked out and was wondering what do you guys generally check out before a long road trip besides fluid levels and tire pressure?

 

So very much appreciated.. Thanks for replying..

 

- Al

[Doug_Scott]

I have my truck regularly serviced at my local GM dealer, last visit was in May for a synthetic oil change, lube, tire rotation, etc. I'm leaving suddenly for a long road trip and don't have time to make an appointment to have it checked out and was wondering what do you guys generally check out before a long road trip besides fluid levels and tire pressure?

 

So very much appreciated.. Thanks for replying..

 

- Al

 

The whole point of doing regular maintenance is to end up being ready and prepared for just what you have happening. Fluid levels, air pressures (aren't supposed to be checked anyways?), and spare tire condition. You do not say how far this road trip is, so you may want to see when your next oil change will be scheduled to happen.

[ujtruck]

check all your fluids, tire pressure etc, if you don't have time or don't know how to do it, then go to one of those quick lube joint.

also check your brakes

 

keep couple of fuses, head lamp bulbs, jumper cables, BIG A$$ hammer - if possible little tool kit, even if you don't know how to fix shesh, some guy on the road will help you, if you already have them.

 

Keep your MasterCard / Visa handy - condition of your Truck, won't matter.

 

Pray to GOD

 

now Start Driving

[BigBlueLB756]

Well said, Joe.

[rdnkcpa]

Crawl underneath the back of your truck and check the tire pressure of your spare. Most likely it is low. If your maintenance is up to date, have a good trip and watch out for the man.

[nickvrebel]

nothing more than normal maintenance is needed.

 

check the pressure in all 5 tires (spare included). while there look at the tread of the tires, look for even wear across the tread, especially the front tires, a bad alignment (even if it's not pulling) will eat the inside edge of the tire and looking at only the middle/ outside edge that is easily visible you would never know - I've seen numerous vehicles with "new tires" have blow outs because of this, the driver never checked the alignment and destroyed a new tire within a few months.

 

check fluid levels.

[peteking]

Maybe grease your zerks as long as you're checking things over?

[RyanbabZ71]

being moved to the maintenance thread

[redjewel2ss]

i have a portable air compressor made by Kobalt i got at Lowes which i keep under my back seat in case i get a flat on the road. it plugs right into the cigarette lighter.

 

check your tires, coolant, trans and engine oil levels, washer fluid level, and engine oil life remaining. also make sure your turn signals, brake lights, and headlights work properly!