Why did this happen on my vacation?

What we'd like to see happen on your vacation is that you pack up the car, drive a few hours to your destination, check-in to your hotel and then find yourself relaxing poolside.


What we DON'T want to see happen is half-way through your road trip that you find yourself calling a tow truck in the middle of nowhere.  Then you find yourself in front of a mechanic that you don't know and be forced to purchase something you weren't expecting all for the sake of getting back on the road to fun times.





5 simple steps you should take before a vacation

1. Check Up: Stop by your trusted mechanic and have them give your vehicle a check-up.  A basic, non-diagnostic, check-up should NOT cost anything.  If it's a good mechanic, they will tell you to:

         A. Continue happily on your vacation
         B. Fix 1, 2 & 3; come back after your vacation for the rest
         C. For the love of humanity, please get a rental car

2. Tires: If your trusted mechanic says, your tires are DANGEROUS and you need new ones before your vacation - please listen to them.

Have you heard of tire tread separation?

Basically the tread part of the tire splits and the tire explodes.  It is more common than you think and can be a major danger on the road for yourself and others.

3. Air: Stop at a gas station and check the air pressure in your tires.  It's always a good idea to keep in your glove compartment box a tire gauge (this measures the air in your tires) but worry not, most air stations have it built into the hose.  Your mechanic shop should and can fill the air in your tires for FREE.

4. Oil Change: If your car is due for an oil change, please take care of it BEFORE your trip.  With all the mileage you'll put on your vehicle, your engine will want and need nice clean oil.

5. Rental Cars:  Rental cars at times may be a better way to go especially if you have an older car.  The cost of renting a car might be worth the headache of taking your own.

If you are in the Orlando area stop by Universal Tire & Auto before your next road trip and we'll help you stay safe.