Road Ready (Trip Inspection)
December 18, 2022
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.
Commerce Auto Repair
9575 Commerce Rd.
Commerce, Michigan 48382
248.363.3749
Need Service?
More articles from Commerce Auto Repair

Stop Right There!
October 25, 2026
Your vehicles brakes are only as good as its master cylinder. This part is truly is the heart of your braking system, because if it isnt working the way it should, the rest of the brake system cant either. The master cylinder is what takes the pressure you put on the brake pedal and ultimately... More

A Smart Inspection, Peace of Mind Before You Buy
October 23, 2026
With the price of new vehicles these days, you might be thinking about saving some money by buying a used one. But when you go to look at a vehicle, how in the world do you know what youre getting into? A look around the outside and a short test drive likely doesnt give you the confidence that... More

Save Your Tires and Fuel: Why TPMS Is More Than a Warning Lightc
October 11, 2026
You know that little light on your dashboard that looks like a tire? Dont ignore it. Its a lot more than a warning light. Its trying to tell you something that can protect your tires, improve your fuel economy and keep your vehicle traveling safely down the road. Its called TPMS. The abbreviati... More
