There’s nothing like a good spring or summer road trip to kick off the warm weather. Whether you’re driving up to the Georgia mountains, down to the coast, or heading out of state, it all starts the same way—packing the bags, mapping the route, loading up the car.
But before you start racking up miles, there’s one step too many drivers skip: making sure the car is actually ready for the trip.
At Gibbs Automotive in Conyers, we’ve helped dozens of local drivers prepare their vehicles for road trips. A simple inspection before you hit the highway can save you from unexpected breakdowns, major repair costs, or worse—getting stranded miles from home. If your car hasn’t been looked at since winter, now’s the time.
Why Spring Is the Ideal Time for a Vehicle Inspection
Georgia winters are usually mild, but they’re still hard on vehicles. Cold temperatures can wear down your battery, reduce tire pressure, and cause belts and hoses to stiffen or crack. Once the weather shifts and you start planning those warm-weather drives, it's a good idea to get your vehicle looked over.
Spring also means more rain, more pollen, and more time spent on the road. All of those factors can impact how your vehicle performs.
If you’re planning a trip that takes you more than a couple hours from home, getting a spring inspection is one of the smartest things you can do.
What to Check Before a Road Trip
You don’t need to be a mechanic to run through the basics, but a trained eye can catch things you might miss. At Gibbs Automotive, here’s what we inspect before your spring or summer trip:
Tires: We check for wear, uneven tread, sidewall damage, and proper inflation. Heat affects tire pressure, and a long drive on underinflated tires is a recipe for a blowout.
Brakes: Your brake pads and rotors should be in good condition before any road trip, especially with added weight in the car and changing weather conditions.
Battery: A quick battery test tells us if it’s still holding a charge. Spring and summer heat are known to weaken older batteries fast.
Fluids: We check your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid to make sure everything is topped off and clean.
Belts and Hoses: These often get overlooked, but a cracked or loose belt can cause a breakdown fast. We’ll inspect all visible belts and hoses for signs of wear.
Wiper Blades and Washer System: Driving through spring storms or high pollen days with bad wipers is not only annoying—it’s dangerous. We’ll test your blades and refill washer fluid.
Lighting and Electrical: We test headlights, brake lights, signals, and interior electrical systems to make sure everything works properly, especially for night driving.
AC and Cabin Air Filter: A comfortable cabin matters when you’re driving for hours in the Georgia heat. We’ll check that your air is blowing cold and clean.
How Far Ahead Should You Schedule a Pre-Trip Inspection?
We recommend scheduling your road trip inspection at least a week before your planned departure. That gives us time to complete any necessary repairs and gives you peace of mind that everything’s ready to go.
The last thing you want is to find out you need new brakes or tires the day before you leave town. Booking early helps you avoid the last-minute scramble and ensures we can give your car the attention it deserves.
Common Issues We Catch That Could Ruin a Trip
You’d be surprised how many cars show up for a quick inspection and end up avoiding major problems. Some of the most common issues we find during spring road trip inspections include:
Low or uneven tire tread that could lead to poor traction or hydroplaning Brake pads that are dangerously thin Coolant that’s dirty or low, which can cause overheating on long drives Oil that’s overdue for a change, reducing engine protection under stress Dead or weak batteries that could fail after sitting overnight at a rest stop
These aren’t just annoying problems—they’re potential trip-enders. Getting ahead of them makes the difference between a smooth vacation and one that starts with a tow truck.
Don’t Forget the Little Things
Beyond the basics, think about the driving experience. Are your seats adjusted comfortably for long periods? Do you have a spare tire, jack, and roadside kit in the trunk? Are your phone chargers and GPS working properly?
It’s easy to get caught up in the big details and forget the small ones that make a road trip enjoyable.
If you’re not sure where to start, ask us. Our team can walk you through the essentials and even help you build a basic roadside emergency kit.
What Makes Gibbs Automotive Different
We’re a local shop that knows Conyers roads, Georgia weather, and the types of trips our neighbors are planning. Whether you’re towing a boat to the lake or heading to a graduation weekend, we know what to check, what to expect, and how to get your car road-ready without adding unnecessary repairs.
Our goal is to keep you safe and comfortable. We won’t sell you something you don’t need, and we’ll always explain what we find in plain English so you can make the right decision for your vehicle and your budget.
Don’t Let a Small Problem Derail a Big Trip
A spring inspection takes less than an hour in most cases, and it could be the difference between making memories and making repair calls. If you’re hitting the road this season, stop by Gibbs Automotive first. We’ll give your car the all-clear and help you feel confident about every mile ahead.
