Road Trip? Check! (Trip Inspection)
June 9, 2025
After months of postponing travel far away from home, a lot of us can't wait to hit the road and scream "Road Trip!" again. But how long has it been since the vehicle you're planning on taking has had a thorough inspection? And is it roadworthy for several days on the highway? Time to schedule a professional trip inspection in our service center.
When it comes to long trips, before you go, make sure you can stop. We can perform a break inspection. Our technician will visually inspect your brakes for wear and how much life is left in the brake pads and rotors. They'll also check your brake lines and fluids for fitness and fill.
If it's going to be a long trip, it's important that your engine stays lubricated. The technician will see when the last time you had an oil change, check the levels and inspect the system for leaks. If you are close to needing an oil change, it's best to have it done before the trip because no one wants to interrupt a vacation with an oil change in a strange place. It's also better for your engine to have fresh, clean oil rather than driving with dirty, worn-out oil.
Comfort in any vehicle depends partly on the suspension system. Our technician can examine shocks and struts so you can avoid an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe journey. Oh, and you'll definitely want to make sure your wheels are aligned. A long trip in an out-of-alignment vehicle can be a driving nightmare with potential steering problems and tire damage.
A couple of little things some drivers take for granted are the engine air filter and wiper blades. A dirty air filter can cost you money by reducing fuel economy; it adds up on a long trip. And worn-out wiper blades can make visibility while driving in a rainstorm a blinding, unsafe adventure that you never want to experience, especially in unfamiliar territory.
If you're in the habit of having your vehicle regularly maintained, many of these items may be in excellent condition. But considering the extra stresses a long road trip places on any vehicle, it's nice to have a set of our trained eyes give your vehicle a closer look. That way you'll be able to gaze YOUR eyes on sights like the Leaning Tower of Niles or the Gopher Hole Museum.
Charlie's Fast Lube Sikeston
2017 E. Malone
Sikeston, Missouri 63801
573-472-1139
http://www.charliesfastlubesikeston.com
Need Service?
More articles from Charlie's Fast Lube Sikeston

Busted! Air Conditioning (Air Conditioning Maintenance)
October 27, 2025
Your vehicle's air conditioning is something you count on when the weather heats up. But there's bound to be a day when you turn it on and one of these things happens: Only warm air blows out Cold air starts blowing out but then it turns warm on its own It's not blowing air at all It blows smel... More

Automotive Tips from Charlie's Fast Lube Sikeston: Alignment Inspection
October 23, 2025
Uneven tire wear, the car pulling to one side or a steering wheel that is off-center are signs for Sikeston drivers that their wheels may be out of alignment.When doing an alignment inspection, the service advisor at Charlie's Fast Lube Sikeston will inspect your tires for uneven wear as well as ... More

The Sign of the Shield (Heat Shield Repair and Replacement)
October 12, 2025
Even in the months where temperatures are cooler, heat is still an enemy of your vehicle. When your engine runs, it creates heat, so there are numerous heat shields that protect other parts from those higher temperatures. Heat shields are installed around several areas of the exhaust system. Ot... More
