Road Ready (Trip Inspection)
February 2, 2025
Maybe you've been cooped up for a while and are yearning for a change of scenery. Or maybe you need to visit a relative who lives far away. You choose not to fork out the big bucks for airline tickets, so it's time for a road trip. Make sure you're road ready by having your vehicle professionally inspected before the big drive.
One of our technicians can check out several of your vehicle's most important systems so you can be more confident that you'll be able to go the distance without a breakdown. Here are a few things a trip inspection may include:
Your vehicle stops with brakes that, in turn, stop the tires. They must both be in sound condition. The technician can look at your tire tread, the condition of the sidewalls, and note the tires' age. Brakes have pads and rotors that should meet certain specs, so an expert inspection of their condition is important, too.
A technician can check other vital fluids such as engine coolant, power steering, transmission, and windshield washer fluid. Your wipers must be in good condition so you can see, and they're often one of the most neglected parts of a vehicle.
Your headlights must work correctly and be aimed properly so you can see and so that you're not blinding oncoming drivers. They're powered by your battery, and a technician will check how old yours is and how well it holds a charge, all important for reliable starting.
For cabin comfort, your climate control system needs to work correctly, which means both heat and air conditioning. If things need to be repaired - before the trip will be a lot more convenient than trying to do it while you're traveling.
The technician can inspect hoses and belts, two things that frequently fail on a long trip. And the big advantage of having a pro look over your vehicle is that they not only know what to look for but also can make the repairs the right way. Now that's the ticket to being road ready.
Blair's Ferry Automotive
1565 Blairs Ferry Rd.
Marion, Iowa 52302
319-447-6310
http://www.blairsferryautomotive.com
Need Service?
More articles from Blairs Ferry Automotive
See the Light (Bulb Replacement)
February 22, 2026
When you notice one of your headlights has gone out, its important for the safe operation of your vehicle to get it changed and working again. Not only is replacing a headlight important for your ability to see in the dark, but its also vital that it be lighting your way and aimed correctly so o... More
Timing is Everything (Timing Belt)
February 15, 2026
Talk about exquisite choreography; it happens under the hood of your vehicle every time you take a drive. Your engines many complex parts must work exactly together. One key is a part called a timing belt, which enables the synchronizing of two of your engines components, the camshaft, and the ... More
Don?t Skip Out on These! (Vehicle Maintenance Items You Should Never Postpone)
February 8, 2026
Maybe that little sticker on your windshield is giving you the reminder that its time for your vehicle to have an oil change. Youve thought, Aw, I can skip this one and save myself a little money. When it comes to things you should never ignore on your vehicle, timely oil changes are number one... More