Couple car maintenance questions?
(2011-06-28 14:20:33) 1. Says: Okay, I'm going on a "road trip" in August and have a few questions about my car:1. My dad told me to get a tune up. If I bring my car to my mechanic and say I need a tune up, what exactly does that mean to him? Is there a more specific request I should make or just state that I need a tune up and leave it at that?
2. Is there any way for my mechanic to tell me if my car is suited for a 20 hour round trip? (my car is old, so my parents are worried that it wont make it.) I haven't noticed any major problems but I would still like to know if there are any. But I don't want to say "Here's my car, tell me what's wrong with it" because they'll come up with every little thing. So, I guess my question is what should I look for before going on a long road trip?
Should I be worried about my car not making it, even though it hasn't had problems in the past? (I used to drive far for school.)
There are a lot of questions, I know, but any thorough answers are much appreciated :)2. Says: Anything can fail at any time but a tune but usually will;
All the fluids(oil, coolant, power steering, and brake) They will check if they are low, old, leaking, etc....
Check that the tires and brakes are good.
Check that any of the joints are worn and grease them
See if the battery is still holding a decent charge and is being recharge by the alternator.
That's the basic stuff they can be pretty extensive and expensive if you get the entire package.
If you don't trust any one mechanic or its out of your budget
Jiffy Lube can check the fluids and grease the joints
Any tire place can check the tires and brakes
And Autozone can check the battery3. Says: Since you obviously don't trust your mechanic maybe you should find one you can trust.4. Says: ask him to check it over for a trip and if ok have it serviced.tell him not to do repairs before contacting you5. Says: 1: a tune up is basically checkin, and or replacing all the wearable parts on your car (spark plugs, wires, cap & rotor, oil/filter, air filter, etc). Just tell them you need a tune up, they'll do the rest.
2: if all is fine, there should be no reason to doubt your car will make it. Tell the shop to check all the fluids (radiator, trans/rear end, etc.) Tell them to check the brakes, and cooling system. As well as just basically give the car a "once over" look at everything. I useto take my 25 year old motorhome with 200k + miles on it on 4000 mile round trips acrost the country. So you'll be fine. Always bring a cell phone, and an emergency tool kit!6. Says: Ok, it would really help if you mentioned the year and model of the car, and issues you know with it.
Older cars (talking like 60's 70's), tune ups included ignition parts distributor cap, rotor, points, plugs, possibly wires, setting timing, checking the belts, etc.
Newer cars 80-present have less things go wrong, but still...
You'd check for smooth operation of engine - vac leaks, etc. any codes or check engine lights? Is the serpentine belt worn or aged? Check all fluids - steering, coolant, bleed brakes, check brake pads.
See if any parts are worn in suspension, look at tires and wheels. Fresh oil change and new air filter, check plugs not a bad idea but new cars can go like 100k on plugs.
If it does good on shorter trips it will likely be fine but parents worry. Tag: Couple car maintenance questions?