A week before you go
Tires
Check pressure (including the spare, if you have one) and look for worn tread, cracks or bulges. If you feel a vibration at highway speed, have the wheels balanced — Road Force Balancing finds problems ordinary balancing misses. Our free tire inspection covers wear, damage and pressure.
Brakes
Mountain descents and loaded cars are hard on brakes. Any squeal, grind or soft pedal should be checked first — the brake inspection is free. See also when to replace brake fluid.
Oil and fluids
If an oil change is due in the next few thousand miles, do it before you leave. Check coolant, brake and washer fluid.
Battery
A long trip is a bad time for a weak battery. Battery testing is free.
A/C
Summer traffic on I-40 is no place for warm air. See getting your A/C ready for summer.
Lights and wipers
Walk around the car with everything switched on. Replace streaky wiper blades.
The easy way
Book a service visit before you go: every visit includes our free multi-point inspection of more than 25 components, and we’ll tell you what needs attention now and what can wait until you’re home.
If something goes wrong near home
Keep our towing partners’ numbers handy — Lee’s Towing at 919-382-5583 and Dave’s Tow-Away Inc at 919-544-7152. More in what to do if your car breaks down in Durham.
Call 919-286-1167 or schedule an appointment — we’re open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM at 1907 West Markham Avenue, right off Ninth Street.
Frequently asked questions
When should I get my car checked before a road trip?
About a week before, so there’s time to fix anything that turns up.
What does Neal’s Garage check before a trip?
Every service visit includes a free multi-point inspection of more than 25 components, including brakes, tires, lights, steering, belts and fluid levels.
