Expert Q&A: Should I Get My Car Serviced Before a Long Road Trip? Insights from NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton
Planning a long road trip soon? It’s a question we hear often here at NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton, located at 1111 W Michigan Ave, Clinton, MI 49236. I’m David Farhina, Service Advisor with a year of experience helping drivers in Clinton and surrounding areas like Jackson, Manchester, and Tecumseh prepare their vehicles for safe and reliable journeys. Today, I’ll share expert advice on why getting your vehicle serviced before hitting the road is crucial, how often you should maintain your car if you don’t drive much, and the best timing for those services to avoid unexpected breakdowns and ensure peace of mind.
David, many drivers ask if it’s truly necessary to get their car serviced before a long trip. What’s your take on this?
A: That’s a great question and one we encounter regularly from customers traveling from places like Milan and Chelsea, Michigan. The short answer is yes—getting your car serviced before a long trip is highly recommended. Long-distance driving puts extra strain on your vehicle’s engine, braking system, tires, and fluids. Making sure these key components are in excellent condition significantly reduces the risk of roadside breakdowns, which can be especially problematic when traveling through rural areas or less populated routes around Britton or Addison.
From a technical perspective, a pre-trip service allows us to inspect and, if necessary, replace engine oil and filters, top off or flush critical fluids like coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, and check tire pressure and tread depth. For example, the RAM 1500, which we proudly offer here, delivers up to 12,750 lbs of towing capacity, but to maintain that performance and your family’s safety on every commute or weekend hauling trip around Jackson, it needs routine maintenance. Similarly, Jeep models like the Wrangler require checks on their legendary off-road capability systems and infotainment features, ensuring a smooth, connected adventure.
We also pay close attention to belts, hoses, brakes, and battery health during a pre-trip service. If your vehicle is older or has high mileage, these inspections become even more critical. At NewGen CDJR, we use genuine Mopar parts, which ensure OEM quality and durability. Scheduling your service appointment ahead of time through our Schedule Service page guarantees your vehicle is ready to handle the roads from Clinton to Norvell or Saline and beyond.
How often should someone service their car if they don’t drive it very often?
A: That’s another excellent question, especially relevant for those in communities like Clarklake or Bridgewater who might have seasonal driving habits or use their vehicles less frequently. Even if you don’t rack up many miles, regular maintenance remains essential. Automotive fluids, especially engine oil, degrade over time regardless of mileage. Most manufacturers recommend changing oil every six months or every 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. So, even a vehicle sitting mostly idle needs periodic oil changes to prevent engine wear.
Moreover, tires can develop flat spots if a vehicle remains stationary for too long, which compromises safety and ride quality. We advise checking tire pressure monthly and moving your vehicle periodically to distribute the weight. Battery health can also decline when a car isn’t driven regularly. Using a smart trickle charger or disconnecting the battery during extended downtime can help maintain its charge.
In climates like those around Dundee or Tecumseh, exposure to temperature fluctuations can affect coolant levels and other fluids. Keeping these topped off and scheduling routine inspections at NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton helps prevent unexpected issues. If you’re curious about your vehicle’s current condition or considering an upgrade, explore our Get your trade value or an offer to purchase tool to understand your options.
Is it better to get the car serviced before or after a road trip, or both?
A: Ideally, servicing your car both before and after a long trip offers the best protection and performance. Before your journey, a thorough inspection and maintenance ensure your vehicle is prepared for the demands ahead. This includes checking all fluids, tires, brakes, battery, belts, and hoses. It also reduces the chance of inconvenient and potentially dangerous breakdowns.
After returning from a long trip, especially one involving heavy loads or challenging terrain like the rugged roads around Napoleon or Tipton, it’s wise to have a post-trip inspection. This can identify wear and tear or issues that might not have been obvious during the trip, such as brake pad thinning or tire damage. Our service department at NewGen CDJR is always ready to perform these checks efficiently, helping you maintain your vehicle’s longevity and safety.
Keep in mind, regular maintenance following manufacturer guidelines is crucial. Whether you drive frequently in places like Adrian or occasionally take weekend trips out to Manitou Beach, staying on top of service intervals ensures your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM vehicle remains reliable and ready for every journey. Don’t forget, our Mopar Parts Center is stocked with genuine parts to ensure quality repairs and replacements.
How far in advance should I schedule my vehicle’s service before a long trip?
A: Planning ahead is key. We recommend scheduling your service appointment about one week before your departure. This timing allows enough room to identify and address any unexpected repairs without the stress of last-minute fixes. For instance, if you live in Chelsea or Milan and are planning a trip to more remote areas, you’ll want to avoid delays due to service backlogs or parts availability.
During your service visit, our technicians will perform a multi-point inspection, including an oil and filter change if due, tire and brake checks, fluid top-offs, and a battery health assessment. This comprehensive approach helps catch issues early and keeps your vehicle performing optimally. Scheduling through our convenient online portal makes it easy to find a time that fits your schedule. Visit our Schedule Service page to book your appointment today.
For drivers shopping for a new vehicle well before their trip, exploring our New Inventory or All used inventory can provide options that better fit your travel needs. Remember, at NewGen CDJR, we make car buying straightforward and transparent—whether you’re interested in a powerful RAM 1500 for towing around Jackson or a versatile Jeep Wrangler for off-road adventure near Clinton.
What are the most important maintenance tasks to focus on before a big trip?
A: The essential pre-trip maintenance tasks cover several key areas to ensure safety, reliability, and comfort. First and foremost, an oil and filter change is critical. Clean oil lubricates your engine efficiently, reducing wear and preventing overheating on long drives.
Next, fluid levels demand attention. This includes coolant to prevent engine overheating, brake fluid to maintain stopping power, transmission fluid for smooth gear shifts, and windshield washer fluid for clear visibility. During your visit to NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton, we check all these fluids and replace or top them off as needed, using manufacturer-approved products for best performance.
Tires are another priority—checking air pressure, tread depth, and overall condition. Worn or improperly inflated tires can seriously impact handling and fuel economy, especially on Michigan highways or in rural stretches between Britton and Clinton. We also inspect brakes for pad thickness and rotor condition, replacing components before they become safety hazards.
Other important checks include battery health, lights and wiper functionality, belts and hoses condition, air and cabin filter cleanliness, and HVAC system performance. Having a well-equipped emergency kit with first-aid supplies, tools, and roadside assistance information is also highly recommended. All these services and parts are available at our dealership, and you can browse our Shop Mopar Accessories for helpful add-ons tailored to your vehicle.
David, what unique services or benefits does NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton offer to customers preparing for road trips?
A: At NewGen CDJR, we pride ourselves on being a trusted partner for service and maintenance in Clinton and surrounding communities like Jackson and Saline. Our certified technicians use genuine Mopar parts to ensure durability and peak performance, which is especially important when preparing vehicles for long drives or rugged weekend adventures.
We understand that your time is valuable, so we offer transparent pricing and flexible scheduling options to fit your busy lifestyle. Whether you need a quick oil change or a full multi-point inspection, you can conveniently Schedule Service online anytime. Loyal customers enjoy exclusive offers and priority appointments because we believe in building lasting relationships with our Clinton community.
Additionally, if you’re considering trading in your current vehicle to upgrade before your trip, our team can provide a no-obligation appraisal through our Get your trade value or an offer to purchase tool. Remember, we buy cars with no purchase required, making it easy and hassle-free. Our knowledgeable sales staff is here to help you find the perfect Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM model to match your lifestyle, whether it’s the all-new Dodge Durango for family trips or the rugged Ram 1500 for heavy-duty hauling.
What should customers know about roadside assistance during their trips?
A: For customers driving Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM vehicles, Dodge, RAM, Chrysler, Jeep Roadside Assistance is your exclusive safety net on the road. Unlike third-party services, this program offers manufacturer-backed coverage with technicians specially trained to work on your vehicle’s specific systems, using genuine parts from dealerships like ours in Clinton.
The service covers essential emergencies such as flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing to authorized service centers. It’s included with your vehicle’s warranty, so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing expert help is just a call away. Should you need assistance during your travels near places like Brooklyn or Clarklake, simply contact Dodge, RAM, Chrysler, Jeep Roadside Assistance: 800-521-9925. Our team at NewGen CDJR can also help coordinate service appointments promptly, ensuring you’re back on the road quickly and safely.
Where can customers find quality parts and accessories for their vehicles to prepare for road trips?
A: We encourage all our customers to use genuine parts when maintaining their vehicles for reliability and longevity, especially before long trips. Our Mopar Parts Center is fully stocked with OEM parts designed specifically for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles. From air filters and brake pads to belts and batteries, we provide high-quality components that keep your vehicle running strong on Michigan roads and beyond.
Additionally, if you’re interested in enhancing your vehicle’s utility or appearance, explore our Shop Mopar Accessories for options like roof racks, trailer hitches, all-weather floor liners, and LED lighting upgrades. These accessories can make your weekend adventures around Chelsea or Tipton more comfortable and functional.
Whether you need routine replacement parts or want to customize your ride, our knowledgeable parts department staff is ready to assist you. Visit or contact NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton for expert advice and genuine products.
How can customers learn more about vehicle maintenance and stay informed about special offers?
A: Staying informed is a smart way to protect your investment and ensure your vehicle performs at its best. Our dealership regularly updates our Blog with helpful articles addressing maintenance tips, new model features, and seasonal advice tailored to Michigan drivers. Whether you’re curious about the latest Dodge Charger performance upgrades or Jeep Wrangler off-road tips, our blog provides clear, jargon-free insights.
We also offer ongoing service specials and promotions to make maintenance more affordable. Check out our Service Specials and New Vehicle Specials for current offers. These special offers help you keep your vehicle in top shape without breaking the bank, whether you’re preparing for a trip or routine upkeep.
For those looking to upgrade their vehicle, our sales team provides transparent pricing, pressure-free consultations, and flexible financing options designed to fit your budget. Explore our Employee Pricing and New Incentives Inventory to learn more.
David, what final advice would you give to drivers in Clinton and nearby areas planning their next road trip?
A: My best advice is to prioritize safety and preparation by scheduling your pre-trip service well in advance. Taking care of maintenance at NewGen Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Clinton means you’re partnering with experts who understand the demands of Michigan’s roads and outdoor lifestyles. This ensures your vehicle is built tough for weekend adventures or family journeys through places like Jackson, Manchester, and Adrian.
Don’t hesitate to use our trade-in tool at Get your trade value or an offer to purchase to explore your options if your current vehicle isn’t quite up to the challenge. Our friendly team is here to help you find a vehicle that fits your lifestyle and budget, whether it’s a RAM 1500 for towing or a Jeep Grand Cherokee for versatile comfort.
Finally, book your service appointment online today at Schedule Service and experience our quick, transparent, and trusted maintenance. We look forward to being your trusted partner for service and maintenance in Clinton.
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