You can drive to all, but what car repairs and services are most necessary before you go?

With only about six weeks remaining until Labor Day, it is vacation crunch time for some. Fortunately, those of us in Florida have the benefit of weather that allows us to drive to the state’s top Atlantic East Coast beaches year-round. Before you check out the best destination’s list below to plan your trip, Cassels Garage, the best place for reliable auto repair in Melbourne, FL reminds you to also make car repairs and maintenance an equal priority. After all, what fun can the beach be if you’re stuck on the side of the road in sweltering heat waiting on that tow truck?

While bringing your car in for an overall assessment is your best bet, if you’re limited on time, the following are most critical:

1. Tires and Tire Pressure

Inspect all four tires including the spare tire. The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends looking for cuts, gouges, or sidewall bulges and inserting a quarter upside down into grooves to check tire tread. If you see the top of George Washington’s head, it is time for new tires.

It’s best to check tire pressure when the car has been relatively idle, and the tires are cooler. For your specific make and model, you’ll find the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure located in the owner’s manual or driver side door jamb. You’ll note there are tire pressure numbers on the tire itself, but they are less accurate.

2. Have your brakes checked

You may be able to feel a vibration or hear an abnormal sound, but it is far more advisable to take your vehicle into a car repair shop to inspect the brakes. The service professionals will check all components of the brake system: fluid leaks, pads, rotors, shoes, and drums. If a replacement or repair is needed, get it done! It might cost you a little bit more, but you’ll save significantly on your time and peace of mind for you and your family.

3. Get the battery tested

Are you still driving around on your original battery? Or still driving on the same battery you had to have jumped recently? You can check the battery connections yourself for tightness and corrosion, but you can also have the battery checked at the local auto service shop for an all-in-one review of the battery, cable connections, and capacity.

3. Top off engine oil and other fluids

This may be a Do-It-Yourself task but often it might be included for a small fee if you need other repairs or maintenance completed. This is one last thing to take off of your to-do list. If you need multiple different fluids to just top off, you’ll be purchasing several products. Check with your favorite auto repair shop for confirmation of what may or may not be included regarding engine oil, coolant, brake, transmission, windshield wiper, and power steering fluids for optimal, safe driving.

3. Replace wiper blades

The elements in Florida such as salt, coastal winds, and direct sunlight will wear out your wipers. Pop up showers even major thunderstorms can occur at any moment, especially near the coast. Don’t wait for those pop ups to remind you that you need new wipers.

4. Check belts and hoses

Just like your old leather belt or garden hose, your car’s belts and hoses wear out the same. Your alternator, radiator, engine water pump, A/C, etc. all rely on functioning belts and hoses. They can become compromised if frayed or cracked causing you more than an inconvenient vacation – even worse – damage to your vehicle that was easily preventable. AAA recommends replacement of drive belts every 60,000 miles. This can be done at your local auto service repair center as some of the wear and tear is not easily visible.

5. Determine if your A/C is running to full capacity

While a broken A/C may not deem your vehicle inoperable, it will ensure you and your passengers are miserable. If you sense any decrease in the A/C’s cooling, take it to a car repair shop for an assessment. They’ll be able to provide a diagnosis and make any repairs or replacements necessary.

The seven recommendations above are essentially the most important. It is advisable that once you have your trip planned, contact your local auto service shop sooner than later. You may need a part that is back ordered or affected by the ongoing supply chain shortage. Cassels Garage can help you get on your way to your favorite beach destination affordably, promptly, and always hassle-free.

So now, which Florida Atlantic East Coast Beach are you heading to?

With a 360-mile Atlantic coastline, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a beach vacation. Here is the list for “12 best” from renowned travel site, Trip to Discover:

Miami Beach
Amelia Island
Fort Lauderdale
Jacksonville Beach
West Palm Beach
St Augustine Beach
Cocoa Beach
Melbourne Beach
New Smyrna Beach
Vero Beach
Daytona Beach
Delray Beach

For more information about why these 12 beaches were chosen, click 10+ Best Atlantic Coast Beaches in Florida (2021 Travel Guide) – Trips To Discover.

Whether you are headed as far as Jacksonville or Miami, or staying local, give Cassels Garage in Melbourne, FL a call today. We look forward to serving you!