OIL CHANGE TIPS
Road trip checklist before you head to the beach or the mountains
Whether it's Myrtle Beach, Charleston or the mountains, a few minutes of checking before you leave Lexington beats a breakdown on the interstate with a full car. Do this about a week out so there's time to fix anything you find.
One week before
- Oil. If you're within about a thousand miles of due, change it before the trip. Long highway runs with a loaded car, or towing, are hard on oil.
- Tires. Check pressure when cold, including the spare if you have one. A loaded car may call for a higher pressure, and your door jamb sticker often lists it. Look for uneven wear, bulges or nails.
- Fluids. Coolant, washer fluid and brake fluid. Mountain grades are hard on brakes and cooling systems.
- Battery. Have it tested if it's three or more years old.
- Brakes. If they squeal, grind or pulse, get them checked before driving down long mountain grades.
The day before
- Walk around the car with the lights, turn signals and brake lights on
- Test the wipers and top off washer fluid
- Check that the jack and lug wrench are in the car
Pack in the car
- Phone charger, water and snacks
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
- A flashlight and a basic first-aid kit
- Your roadside assistance number, if you have one
Leave with peace of mind. Book an oil change the week before your trip and we'll check fluids, tires, brakes and battery in your driveway in Lexington, Irmo, West Columbia, Cayce, Chapin and Red Bank.
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