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Road Trip Ready: Your Vehicle Checklist

Roberta Willson • June 7, 2023

It might not always feel like summer in New England but it’s right around the corner. As summer arrives, road trips may be in your future. Road trips can be fun and adventurous but having any car issues could certainly put a damper on your road trip. Let’s discuss how to get your vehicle “road-trip ready” so you can focus on the fun and adventure and not any mishaps with your vehicle! 

1. Fluids

Car fluids are where everything in your vehicle begins. As you prepare for a road trip, make sure you check the following fluids or have your mechanic look them over.

  • Oil - Your vehicle’s oil should be changed every 3,000- 5,000 miles. 
  • Brake Fluid - If you do not know the last time this was done, it might be time. The fluid should be flushed and changed every 24,000 miles.
  • Radiator Fluid - If you find your vehicle overheating, it may be the coolant or radiator fluid that needs to be changed.
  • Transmission Fluid - Some vehicles claim to be sold with “lifetime” transmission fluid but please check your owners manual and take a look before heading out on a road trip. 
  • Power Steering Fluid - It is recommended to change out this fluid every 50,000 miles and is a good idea to check while checking your car's oil. 
  • Windshield Washer Fluid - While on a road trip, you may encounter all kinds of bugs and weather, and although you can pick up some fluid at most gas stations, this is always a good idea to check and fill before your road trip begins. 

2. Tires

Your tires are obviously a very important part of any road trip. You do not want to waste any time pulled off the side of the road or at a gas station maintaining your tires. Before you begin your trip check your tire air pressure; every tire will indicate the amount of air pressure needed to maximize your tire lifespan and ensure you are not over or under-inflated. It is also a great idea to have your tires rotated before a road trip. You can have them rotate your tires while someone might be changing out your oil and other fluids. They will also check the tread on your tires and let you know if they need to be replaced. 

3. General Maintenance 

From your car battery to your light bulbs, you will want to check it all before a road trip. Here is a basic general maintenance checklist for you to walk through before embarking out on your upcoming road trip.


  • Car Battery
  • Air Filters
  • Brake Pads
  • Light Bulbs
  • Belts 
  • Hoses


4. Finally, have fun!

Now you are all ready to go! While on your trip you will want to have plenty of great car games, music and podcasts all lined up for maximum road trip fun! We recommend the license plate game, 20 questions, a good audio book, several music playlists and podcast options just to name a few!


As always, if you need any used auto parts before or after your road trips, R. H. Willson is here to help. Give us a call or stop by today!

A Thanksgiving Tradition: Macy’s Day Parade

By Roberta Willson • November 25, 2024
One of this country's most celebrated Thanksgiving traditions is the Macy’s Day Parade! I am sure you are excited about the floats, the entertainers, and the celebrities, but what about all the trucks that these floats are towed with and the numbers behind them? Here are just four fun facts from the Macy’s Day Parade.

10 of the Best Vehicles from Films Over the Years

By Roberta Willson • September 9, 2024
Cars play a significant role in movies, they change how the film is viewed and enjoyed. We have compiled a list of 10 movies with some of the best or iconic vehicles of their time.

Getting Your Car Ready: Summer Vs. Winter

By Roberta Willson • May 15, 2024
There are many differences from the winter months to summertime and I am not just talking about the weather! Your car reacts differently and therefore needs to be taken care of differently. Here are 5 items to check when switching your vehicle from the winter to the summer months.

Fuel Economy by Season

By Jason Pelland • February 8, 2024
Just like us, our vehicles operate a little differently based on the season and temperatures outside. Here in New England, we get all kinds of weather but what does that mean for your car and getting the best gas mileage by the season. Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your fuel economy, all year long!

What to do when you bring a car to the salvage yard

By Roberta Willson • January 24, 2024
Is it time for a new vehicle? Are you looking for a great way to make some money before you purchase a new or used vehicle? Did you just put on new tires or new parts into your vehicle? A salvage yard is a great option! A salvage yard might give you more money for your vehicle or parts than from a private sale or as a trade-in at a dealership. Once you have decided to bring your vehicle to a salvage yard, now what? How do you prepare yourself before you arrive and what happens when you get to the salvage yard? Let’s go through the steps to get you the cash you want from your used vehicle! Step One: Make sure you have the title to your vehicle. In order to sell your car to anyone, you need the title to your vehicle and a salvage yard is no exception. If you cannot find or have lost your title, you can request a new one from the RMV. The requirements to obtain a copy are dependent based on which state you live in.

How to Get the Most Out Of Your Gallon of Gas

By Roberta Willson • November 16, 2023
The national average through 2023 is $3.58 per gallon of gas with it fluctuating each and every month. The good news is that we have seen gas prices go down over the last 12 months but it is still high enough to affect where people go on vacations, holidays, and even just weekend activities. If you are looking to save some cash with the holidays just around the corner. Here are six tips to help you get the most out of that pricey gallon of gas!

5 Reasons For The Trend Toward Smaller Cars

September 25, 2023
The trend towards smaller cars has been in the works for awhile but this year was the first year that critics and consumers agree - smaller is actually better. Gas pricing are soaring, parking is expensive, the economy is still recovering and where consumers can save some money are on smaller cars. Smaller cars mean less gas, mostly likely a lower MSRP, which in turns would mean cheaper upfront costs or even monthly car payments. Let’s discuss 5 reasons for this trend.

What should you do when your car or a part is recalled?

By Jason Pelland • August 29, 2023
Did you get a letter in the mail from the manufacturer, car dealership or even check online to find out that your vehicle has a recall? What should you do, how urgent is the recall, what steps do you need to take to ensure your vehicle is at its’ optimal preference level? First, let’s put it into perspective. While a recall is not something you should ignore; there are over 400 recalls a year that affect more than 25 million vehicles in the U.S. alone. In addition, the average vehicle will have 4 recalls in its lifespan and recalls never expire. Now that we have some perspective. What is the first thing you need to do once you become aware of your vehicle’s recall status? If you purchase your vehicle new or used from a dealership, contact them directly and they will advise you. If you purchased your vehicle through a private seller, contact the vehicle manufacturer and they are required by law to either repair the issue, replace the recalled item or refund the purchase price of the vehicle, minus depreciation.

5 Noises that Need Immediate Attention

By Roberta Willson • July 12, 2023
Our vehicles go through a lot. Most of us will ignore some noises that come out of our vehicle but there are some that just cannot be ignored. The question is, what are those noises that need your immediate attention.

Electric Vehicles: Weighing Your Options

By Roberta Willson • May 18, 2023
Electric vehicles were introduced in 2011 when it captured about .2% of the car sales market. Flash forward to 2022, 14% of the new car market was made up of electric vehicles… a 6,900% increase. The question we want to answer is: “Are electric vehicles better than gas?” Let’s get into the good, the bad, and the ugly truth about electric vehicles. 
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