I recently inherited a 2015 Chevy Equinox. It has about 29,000 miles on it. I have had a new battery, new wheel bearings (I knew I needed them because of the noise, the mechanic confirmed this), new brake fluid, oil change, upper and lower radiator hoses, and that was all. This vehicle sat in the garage a lot. Is there anything else you recommend before I go on a long trip? Original tires are on the vehicle as well. Also replaced the serpentine belt, I almost forgot.
Original tires are certainly due, actually overdue, for replacement after 9 years.
Mechanic said tires were fine. It was kept in the garage but I will probably replace the tires before a long trip.
In addition to the advice already provided: Check and replace the engine air filter if needed, as well as the cabin air filter. Replace the windshield wiper blades. Clean the interior surface of the windows.
Did your mechanic check the condition of the brake pads?
Mechanic said everything was fine except the wiper blades. Those are new.
@darin175 Thanks for your response. And please, as others have expressed, get rid of those nine-year-old tires and replace with new rubber. Your life is riding on those babies at highway speeds. As rubber compounds age they deteriorate as oils and chemicals manufactured into the rubber dry out causing loss of flexibility and structural integrity, and reduced grip on the road surface even if there is sufficient tread depth remaining.
Additionally, you stated that this car sat a lot in the garage. Well that’s not good for tires either especially older tires as they can develop flat spots and even warp over time.
You also may consider purchasing a AAA roadside assistance membership, just in case and for your peace of mind.
Got the tires replaced. Thanks for your information.
I recently inherited a 2015 Chevy Equinox. It has about 29,000 miles on it. I have had a new battery, new wheel bearings (I knew I needed them because of the noise, the mechanic confirmed this), new brake fluid, oil change, upper and lower radiator hoses, and that was all. This vehicle sat in the garage a lot. Is there anything else you recommend before I go on a long trip? Original tires are on the vehicle as well. Also replaced the serpentine belt, I almost forgot.
Assuming coolant was changed along when hoses were changed, those 9 year old tires should be replaced. I'm surprised they aren't cracked and dry rotted. They've met their recommended EOL regardless of their mileage because of time.
Coolant was replaced. Mechanic said tires are fine but I will probably replace them before a long trip.
Believe you've done a good job excluding tires. 👍
Mechanic said tires were fine.
They may look fine but at that age they are not fine. I once had a 10-year-old tire that "looked fine" literally explode while crossing an intersection at low speed, and yes it was on a car that was kept garaged and little used.
You feeling lucky?
I suppose the alternator was checked along with the battery change?
I'd add some little things many forget to do:
Check all your lights work: head, brake, reverse, turning signals, etc. This is important for road safety and is easily dismissed, especially after the car sat for too long inside a garage with varying levels of humidity.
check your emergency equipment. Make sure it works and all the pieces are there.
Jack, spare, wheel chocks, and lug wrench. take a plug kit , 12v inflator, flashlight, and 1 gal jerry can, a gal of water, and some basic tools. I also carry a first aid kit and small fire extinguisher.
fill up your washer fluid, check tire inflation, and monitor the oil level at every refuelling.
For long trips, this is the minimum I would take.
