Welcome to Lone Star Automotive Articles page. This page is packed full of helpful information so you can become more knowledgeable and maintain your vehicle to a higher standard. This service to our clients is just one of the many reasons Lone Star Automotive is the best auto repair in Midland Texas. Your car is our passion! We aim to be the best and will settle for nothing less.
Road trips have been the all-American tradition for the past 100 years. Get in your vehicle and see the land - experience new people and places.
Without a doubt, road trips can be enjoyable alone, with a friend, or as a family adventure. But being prepared for a road trip is very important to you and your vehicle.
Here are some tips to make your trip more pleasant and worry-free:
First, plan out your general itinerary so you have an idea where you are heading and have maps of the area (even for spontaneous day or weekend trips). Maps can be obtained from AAA, on Mapquest, or from other sources.
Second, prepare your vehicle for a road trip by having it serviced - make sure all systems are in good operating condition, all fluid levels are correct, and the tires are properly inflated. Road trips put more stress on the engine than normal so prepare by having a synthetic oil & filter service before you start out. (Take advantage of our Pre-Trip Service Special Coupon below!)
Third, make sure you have an emergency kit in your vehicle . It should include, at minimum, battery jumper cables, road flares, flashlight (and extra batteries), work gloves (in case of a flat tire), bandages and antiseptic pads, duct tape, and a one gallon container of tap water for emergencies. In winter, if traversing mountain passes, include tire chains.
Fourth, prepare a personal emergency kit that includes a blanket, a jacket, bottled drinking water, snacks, sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen, aspirin or pain reliever, and always carry a cell phone with a charger. Personal hand wipes are also handy to clean hands and liquid or food spills inside the vehicle. If you have special medication needs, make sure to take ample quantities with you.
Fifth, check your spare tire (some are located in the trunk, some under the rear of the vehicle) to make sure it's in good condition, and confirm that you have a usable tire jack in the event of a flat tire. If the spare is mounted external under the vehicle make sure the spare lift mechanism is free and not rusted up from not having been used.
Sixth, add Nitorogen to your tires for increased tire life and fuel efficiency. Nitrogen also increases driving safety (under-inflated tires cause 90% of blowouts), Improved TPMS Performance (Tire Pressure Monitoring Service - the Tire Pressure Light on your Dashboard), and longer rim life for your wheels. Learn more at www.getnitrogen.org.
Finally, make sure you have a pen and a note pad or journal to write down interesting places you encounter along the way and a camera to capture those awesome memories. It's always great to relive road trips!
Call us today and take advantage of our Pre-Trip Peace of Mind Service Special below! Remember to always schedule your appointment a minimum of 1 week prior to leaving on longer road trips! Don't leave it until the last minute!
Have a great trip and enjoy the memories! Bring us back pics of your fondest sights!
