Last Updated: Jan 11, 2024

Why a Trip Inspection Is a Good Idea

At Hal's Auto Care we get a lot of Sacramento drivers asking about vehicle trip preparation. That's a big deal. You could be driving through mountains and deserts in some pretty lonely areas around California, so it's important to know that the vehicle is up to the task and won't leave you stranded.

Smart Sacramento drivers plan ahead for a major road trip – and there are a lot of things to get ready. Where should you start? You could start with the tires. Look them over for tread wear and check to see that they are properly inflated. Take a quick test drive around Sacramento to see if you can feel any vibrations: Are the wheels in balance? Is the car tracking straight? Is the alignment ok? Come to Hal's Auto Care for a peace-of-mind trip inspection.

2425 Tower Avenue
Sacramento, California 95825
916-485-9215
www.halsautocare.com

The next thing is a full service oil change to make sure all of your fluids are topped off and you have fresh oil for the trip. And if your car has over 75,000 miles/120,000 km, you may consider putting in the high-mileage formulation to clean harmful sludge deposits in the engine. 

How about your transmission and brakes? Have you had your transmission and brakes inspected in the last six months?

How are your wiper blades? There's nothing like not being able to get rid of the bug juice on a long road trip away from Sacramento.

Check your owner's manual for any other recommended services, and have Hal's Auto Care in Sacramento do the multi-point inspection before you head out on your trip.

Consider also having the coolant system serviced at Hal's Auto Care – you want to stay within the vehicle manufacture’s recommendations. If you're towing a trailer around California you'll want to be keep in mind that you'll be going a long way under severe conditions.

A lot of Sacramento drivers overlook severe conditions like towing, California summer heat or driving on dirt roads. Plan ahead for your next road trip – Hal's Auto Care wants you to get there and back.