Trip Inspections in Burbank, CA
We know that feeling. Finally taking some time off to leave the busy streets of Burbank and Los Angeles to enjoy a road trip adventure with your car to your favorite destinations around America. From charismatic small towns to incredible landscapes and wildlife, road trips are a great way to explore our beautiful country because sometimes it is really about the journey rather than the destination. But as fun, as road-tripping might sound on paper, there can also be risks when driving unprepared.
Long-distance traveling out on the road is a strength test for any car. It can put many mechanical components such as the engine or cooling system under a lot of strain, much more intense than your daily drive in LA traffic. Every summer, thousands of Americans get stranded on the side of the road due to car problems that could have been prevented with a quick inspection beforehand. Therefore, our team at Future Auto Service recommends always performing a vehicle check or trip inspection before hitting the road. Doing so can save you money in the long run because having to call an expensive tow truck in the middle of nowhere should really be on no one's itinerary.
Potential Road Trip Hazards:
Here at Future Auto Service, we make it our duty to bring peace of mind to your travel plans with our comprehensive Trip Inspection Service. Whether you are just planning for a weekend in Plam Springs or taking up a reverse Canon Ball run to the East Coast, we make sure your car is ready for any adventure.
What we check during a trip inspection:
- On-board computer scan
- Tires/ tread life
- Brake pads and rotors
- Engine oil
- Coolant level
- Suspension (Shocks, struts, control arms, bushings
- Alignment
- Air conditioning
Our ASE-certified technicians start with the obvious. From making sure the head and brake lights are functioning properly to diagnosing any warning lights on your dashboard, using our auto repair software connected to your car's board computer gives us a life scan to see potential problems such as an engine misfire or vacuum leak. In addition, tires are probably the most essential component to ensure road safety on any car. Particularly, we check for the tire age, wear, and tread life. If uneven wear or low tread appears to be the case, our technicians would recommend a fresh set of tires before your road trip. That could avoid potential tire damage or exposing yourself to safety risks when traveling through extreme weather. If your tires are still fresh, it is important to ensure they wearing evenly, so tire rotations or getting an alignment can also be a great way to prepare for a long-distance drive. If you are curious about how to check the tire condition of your car yourself, learn to do the "Penny Test" here.
Of course, other major drive train components such as the engine and cooling system shouldn't be ignored. Our ASE-certified technicians have access to your vehicle's CarFax service history to see when previous maintenance such as oil changes, brake, or coolant flushes was made. If the total road-trip distance falls above the interval for your next routine maintenance, we recommend changing your oil or flushing the coolant before hitting the road. Beyond the service history and maintenance intervals, our ASE-certified technicians continue performing the visual inspection of the engine and cooling system to spot potential leaks or fluid buildup. We also keep a close eye on your ride's brake rotors and pad life, with a brake job recommended when applicable. Last but not least our certified technicians check for any signs of wear and tear on your suspension. That part is often overlooked but could impose safety risks when the vehicle operates close to the maximum load capacity packed with luggage and passengers. Here, thecondition of the shocks and struts, control arms, and bushings is noted.
Our team at FAS in Burbank is proud to have given the green light to road trips for hundreds of satisfied customers. The cars we inspected have conquered the highest paved road in North America at well over 14,000ft (Blue Sky Highway in Colorado), drove through the intense heat of Death Valley in the summer, and much more. Invest in peace of mind and drive confidently along your journey by booking your Trip Inspection appointment with Future Auto Service today. Click here or call 818-239-7201