Why a Trip Inspection Is a Good Idea
January 12, 2020
At Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta we get a lot of Sparta drivers asking about vehicle trip preparation. That's a big deal. You could be driving through mountains and deserts in some pretty lonely areas around Illinois, so it's important to know that the vehicle is up to the task and won't leave you stranded.
Smart Sparta drivers plan ahead for a major road trip – and there are a lot of things to get ready. Where should you start? You could start with the tires. Look them over for tread wear and check to see that they are properly inflated. Take a quick test drive around Sparta to see if you can feel any vibrations: Are the wheels in balance? Is the car tracking straight? Is the alignment ok? Come to Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta for a peace-of-mind trip inspection.
10 Northtown Drive
Sparta, Illinois 62286
618-443-6112
http://www.charliesfastlubesparta.com
The next thing is a full service oil change to make sure all of your fluids are topped off and you have fresh oil for the trip. And if your car has over 75,000 miles/120,000 km, you may consider putting in the high-mileage formulation to clean harmful sludge deposits in the engine.
How about your transmission and brakes? Have you had your transmission and brakes inspected in the last six months?
How are your wiper blades? There's nothing like not being able to get rid of the bug juice on a long road trip away from Sparta.
Check your owner's manual for any other recommended services, and have Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta in Sparta do the multi-point inspection before you head out on your trip.
Consider also having the coolant system serviced at Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta – you want to stay within the vehicle manufacture’s recommendations. If you're towing a trailer around Illinois you'll want to be keep in mind that you'll be going a long way under severe conditions.
A lot of Sparta drivers overlook severe conditions like towing, Illinois summer heat or driving on dirt roads. Plan ahead for your next road trip – Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta wants you to get there and back.
Need Service?
More articles from Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta
Bad Vibes (Disc brake rotor problems)
March 1, 2026
If you were to name the most important safety feature on your vehicle right now, what would your answer be? A lot of driving experts would agree that its your brakes. Most newer vehicles use a well-engineered and efficient style of brakes called disc brakes. The name disc brakes comes from one ... More
Drivers that "T" Us Off (Bad Driving Practices)
February 22, 2026
We've all seen drivers who do things thatlet's be frankreally irritate us. They're inconsiderate, can put people in danger and make the road a much less friendly place. They really "T" us off. These are the bad drivers who fit their description to a "T." The Tailgater. You've seen this terr... More
To Fix or Not To Fix (Tire Repair)
February 15, 2026
You know that sinking feeling when you realize one of your tires has a problem. It may be making an odd noise or behaving oddly when you're driving. You may hit a pothole or curb and one suddenly goes flat. Or you may head back to your vehicle and discover it has one tire deflated without a cl... More