Don’t look now, but with holidays fast approaching, that
means traveling…. Lots and lots of traveling. Whether it be through the skies,
on the road, or both, you will need to make sure that your car is in tip-top
shape to make the trip. This way you can make it to Grandma’s house safely and
without incident.
You might be wondering what exactly should be checked on
your car before a long trip. The answer is everything. This can be done with a
free, complimentary Sensory Inspection at Pugh’s Service Automotive, otherwise
known as our SHOT (Sight, Hearing, Odor, and Touch) Inspection. In most cases,
this inspection is just what you need to ensure safe travels to family and friends
for the holidays.
First, we will use our sense of Sight to take a good look Under
the Hood and at the Underbody. We will look for any leaks, which is straightforward,
as your car should be dry. If a Fluid Leak is spotted, we will note what color
it is along with the area it is found in. This will tell us which part is the
culprit for the Leak, and then we will give you a call with an estimate to
repair the problem. If you are about to embark on a longer road trip, it is
best to let a professional Auto Repair Shop repair the issue before you leave.
Second, we will use our sense of hearing on a Test Drive to
listen out any potential negative sounds. Hearing a suspicious sound can often
point us in the direction of the true problem so that we can use our senses of
Sight and Touch to Inspect even deeper.
For example, Failing Brake
Pads can be heard before serious damage occurs. Wheel Bearings also will
present with a Roaring Sound if they are going bad. Squeaking or other Noises Under
the Hood could indicate worn parts such as Belts and Pulleys. If this is the
case, then none of these things should be neglected before you begin your trip,
as they can cause serious damage if you were to continue to stress them.
Next, we use our sense of Smell to detect any unwanted Odors
during the Test Drive and throughout the Inspection. A very common smell is one
of Burning outside of the Car, which can indicate Worn Down Brake Pads. A
Burning Rubber Smell can indicate Bad Hoses or Worn Belts. Other Odors to
beware of are a Sweet, Syrupy Smell and Hot Oil Smell. If either are
accompanied by Leaks seen under the car then you could be dealing with a
Leaking Valve Cover or Radiator.
Pugh’s Service Automotive will use our senses of sight and touch to determine the culprits, so that we can provide you with an Accurate Estimate of Repair. This way, you don’t overspend, and you have safe and reliable transportation for your road trip.
Pugh’s Service Automotive will use our senses of sight and touch to determine the culprits, so that we can provide you with an Accurate Estimate of Repair. This way, you don’t overspend, and you have safe and reliable transportation for your road trip.
Last, but certainly not least, we will use our sense of
touch to feel for Soft and Squishy Hoses, Cracked or Torn Belts, and much more.
In addition to everything mentioned above, we will Check to
make sure your Oil, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid, Power Steering Fluid,
Washer Fluid, and Tire Pressures are all at the proper level. We will also
inspect your Lights and anything else that may come to mind, making sure all is
working properly for your trip.
Part of enjoying the holidays is not worrying about whether
you make it to your destination, and part of that is finding a reputable Auto
Repair Shop like Pugh’s Service Automotive to make sure your car is in the best
shape possible. We love our customers and want you to have a great holiday
season, so if you want to make sure your car can make the trips during the
holidays, give us a call. It’s the cheapest holiday insurance you could ever
want.
With all this in mind, we at Pugh’s Service Automotive wish
you a blessed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.
