Maintenance- Pre-trip Check

The holidays are coming and that means traveling to the desert, family and friends, and vacation getaways....

Don't let your plans be spoiled at the last minute by vehicle repairs.
Look over your pickup truck, haul rig or motor home as soon as you plan your trip or up to six weeks prior. As busy  holiday weekends approach our shop schedule fills up with last minute repairs and previously scheduled work. Call us for inspections and repairs 3 weeks prior to your trip. Last minute delays due to back-ordered parts can ruin your perfectly planned vacation. 

Check out this simple list for a DIY inspection:
1. Time line-Complete a pre-trip vehicle check as soon as you plan your trip or up to six weeks prior.

2. Visual inspection- check your vehicle body for:

• hanging panels
• hanging mudflaps
• loose trim
• mirrors ok
• tire wear and pressure
• windshield condition
• windshield wipers
• Windshield washer fluid and spray function (make sure the spray nozzles are not clogged)

3.  Simple mechanical inspection:

• headlights
• brake lights and turn signals
• Brake function and wear
• horn function
• engine oil level
• transmission oil level (read your owners manual on how to properly check transmission oil)
• generator oil level
• radiator and cooling pack is clean and free of debris
• Air filter- clean and properly secured
• battery cables are securely attached and show no signs of corrosion
• Dirt is cleaned off top of batteries (use commercially available battery cleaner spray, soap and water or baking soda paste. **NOTE** for baking soda- make sure it does not get into the battery or it will neutralize the whole battery)
• House batteries on motor home are full of distilled water (if needed)
• When was the last time you replaced hoses and belts? Standard recommendations list replacement every 4 years or 60,000 miles. If your vehicle does not get a lot of use go by the time line recommendation, not the mileage. Dry rot is a problem  for vehicles that sit.
• Check for white crust around coolant hose connections
• Wiring- do you notice any signs of rodent issues around your wiring harnesses or cab?

​4. Starting, running, driving. Take it on a drive! Check starting performance when it is cold and hot (turn off and start immediately).
5. Cranking should take 3 seconds or less. Longer crank times are indicators of possible oil or fuel issues. Call us to schedule an inspection.