Why a Trip Inspection Is a Good Idea
May 30, 2016
At Auto Lab Troy we get a lot of Troy 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 Michigan, so it's important to know that the vehicle is up to the task and won't leave you stranded.
Smart Troy 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 Troy to see if you can feel any vibrations: Are the wheels in balance? Is the car tracking straight? Is the alignment ok? Come to Auto Lab Troy for a peace-of-mind trip inspection.
2790 West Maple Rd.
Troy, Michigan 48084
(248) 643-7690
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 Troy.
Check your owner's manual for any other recommended services, and have Auto Lab Troy in Troy do the multi-point inspection before you head out on your trip.
Consider also having the coolant system serviced at Auto Lab Troy – you want to stay within the vehicle manufacture’s recommendations. If you're towing a trailer around Michigan you'll want to be keep in mind that you'll be going a long way under severe conditions.
A lot of Troy drivers overlook severe conditions like towing, Michigan summer heat or driving on dirt roads. Plan ahead for your next road trip – Auto Lab Troy wants you to get there and back.
Need Service?
More articles from Auto Lab Troy

No Charge (Why Won’t My Battery Hold a Charge?)
April 15, 2026
When your vehicles battery is dead, it leaves you with that horrible, helpless feeling. A dead battery means it wont hold a charge, and there are several reasons it wont. One is age. Batteries have chemical and electrical systems in them that create power, and as time goes by, they wont work we... More

In the Red (Why a Vehicle Overheats)
April 14, 2026
Heat is one thing that can damage a vehicle, especially if a problem isnt taken care of soon. Be on the lookout for signs that its getting too hot in some parts of your vehicle, starting with the most obvious one: the heat gauge/warning light on your instrument panel. When you see that heat gaug... More

Stop! And See Us (Brake Pad Replacement)
March 29, 2026
If youve ever driven a bicycle with hand brakes, youll probably understand how the brake pads on your vehicle work. Bicycle brakes use a system that squeezes the bike wheels rim with a pair of cushioned pads activated by your hand squeezing the hand brakes on your handlebars. The friction of tho... More
