Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, and for a lot of folks in Southwest Missouri, that means the unofficial start of road trip season. Maybe you're loading up the family for a run down to Branson, towing the boat out to Grand Lake, or heading west on I-44 for a bigger adventure. Whatever the destination, the last thing you want is your trip cut short by a problem you could have caught in the shop parking lot.
After 30 years of getting Joplin drivers ready for summer travel, we have seen just about every kind of breakdown that could have been prevented with a quick pre-trip check. The good news is that most of these issues show up early if you know where to look, and a stop by Downtown Lube before you hit the road can save you from a much more expensive headache somewhere between here and your hotel.
Start With Your Tires, Because They Carry Everything Else
Your tires are the only thing keeping your vehicle connected to the road, and summer heat is rough on them. Hot pavement causes tire pressure to climb, and any existing weak spots in the sidewall or tread can give out fast when you are running 75 mph down the interstate with a loaded-down vehicle.
Before any long trip, take a look at the tread depth and check for uneven wear, cracking, or bulges. If you are not sure what you are looking at, swing in for a free tire inspection. We can also handle tire rotations, balancing, and 2 or 4-wheel alignments to make sure you are not fighting the steering wheel the whole way to your destination. And if your tires really are past their prime, our new and used tire sales mean you can leave town on something you trust without paying dealership prices.
Check Your Fluids and Cooling System Before the Heat Hits
Long drives on a hot day put serious demand on your engine, and your fluids are what keep everything running smooth. Engine oil that is overdue for a change loses its ability to protect under high heat, and a low or contaminated coolant level can turn a fun trip into an overheated mess on the shoulder of the highway.
A pre-trip oil change and fluid inspection covers most of this ground. We will top off what needs it, flag anything that is breaking down, and take a look at your radiator and belts while we are under the hood. If you are towing a camper or boat this summer, this step is even more important since the extra load works your cooling system harder than usual.
Don't Forget the Brakes, Battery, and the Little Stuff
Brakes get tested hard on Ozarks back roads and mountain grades, and if yours have been making any kind of grinding or squealing noise, get them looked at before you load up. We offer free brake inspections, and our on-site brake lathe means we can usually turn rotors and get you back on the road same-day instead of waiting on parts.
Batteries are another easy one to overlook. Summer heat actually kills batteries faster than winter cold does, and the last thing you want is to walk out of a gas station in Oklahoma to a vehicle that won't start. While you are in, it doesn't hurt to throw on a fresh set of wiper blades and swap out the cabin air filter too, especially if you are driving into pollen-heavy country or expecting summer thunderstorms along the way.
Stop In Before You Head Out
No appointment is needed, and free estimates mean you will know exactly what your vehicle needs before any work gets done. Our ASE-certified team can run through a full pre-trip check on cars, trucks, SUVs, gas, or diesel, foreign or domestic. We even back hard parts with a 12-month, 12,000-mile WorryFree warranty that includes 24-hour roadside assistance with coast-to-coast coverage, which is exactly the kind of peace of mind you want on a long haul.
Give us a call at (417) 627-0516 or stop by 102 N Main St in downtown Joplin before your trip. Have a safe one out there, and enjoy the summer.