Should I Service My Car Before or After a Long Trip?
2 Answers
Whether to service your car before or after a long trip depends on the mileage. Consider how many miles the long trip will add. If it significantly exceeds the recommended interval, it's advisable to service the car beforehand. If it's just a hundred or two miles over, you can service it after returning. Here’s some related information about car maintenance: 1. Introduction: Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. 2. Maintenance Scope: Modern car maintenance mainly includes the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, and more.
As a seasoned driver who has learned the hard way from several roadside breakdowns, I firmly believe in getting a full check-up before embarking on a long-distance trip. I remember one summer vacation when I was in a rush to take my family to the beach—I ignored the fact that my car had just passed its maintenance interval. Mid-journey, the engine light came on. After pulling over, I found the engine oil was too thin and there were issues with the cooling system. The tow truck and repairs cost me over 2,000 RMB, ruining our holiday. On long highway drives, vehicles endure heavy loads, and factors like tire pressure, brake pad wear, and oil levels can all lead to failures. Spending less than an hour at the repair shop for a full inspection, oil change, and tire adjustment is a small investment for safety and savings. Don’t underestimate maintenance—a few hundred yuan can buy peace of mind and reliability for the entire trip. It’s not worth the risk. Make it a habit to do quick pre-trip checks to avoid being stranded and needing help on the road.
