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
Something to Latch On To (Hood Latch Safety)
December 7, 2025
The other day, a driver was trying to open his vehicle's hood so he could add some windshield washer fluid. But when he pulled the hood release inside the car, nothing happened. Usually, opening any hood is a 2-step process. You pull the hood release (which is usually a handle under the dashbo... More
A Clean Start (Battery Cleaning)
November 30, 2025
Your vehicle is loaded with electrical devices. Computerized components are everywhere, so good electrical connections are important. Those begin with your vehicle's battery, so it's important that its connections are in top shape. Ever had a flashlight that didn't work, took out the old batteri... More
Your Vehicle's Other Power Plant (Alternator Replacement)
November 23, 2025
Your vehicle's engine is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a power plant. But it has another power source that is vital as well: the alternator. The alternator is what puts out the electricity that powers such things as your lights, power windows, sound system, and na... More