The Highway: a thrilling reminder that if you want to explore, all you need is a car and (if you’re lucky) a good friend.

Even a simple commute to work can be exciting if you have air conditioning and your radio tuned to a good station.

But remember, you are rocketing down the I-10 at 70 MPH in a rolling, metal capsule and your car cannot survive very long without being properly maintained.

Tires, brakes and front-end suspension are some of the most important safety features to consider before you travel because they all work in tandem to keep your car running smoothly.

So, whether you’re going to the grocery store, your mom’s house or to Canada, inspecting these three features should be the first thing on your to-do list before you embark on your next adventure.

Automobile safety begins and ends with the road, which is why it makes sense that tires are one the first safety features on the minds of technicians during an automobile inspection.

Tires are the only contact between your vehicle and the highway.

They defend your car against weather-related hazards, fearlessly face potholes and faithfully transport their drivers across great distances.

If your tires are worn, they can be more susceptible to deflating and bad traction.

A simple way to check if your tires need to be replaced is the “penny check,” which involves inserting a penny into the tread groove of your car. Make sure Lincoln’s head is upside down and the penny is facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is unsafe.

Brakes don’t require a lot of explaining. If your car can’t stop on command, you and your family will be in big trouble. Thankfully, your car will let you know if your brakes are experiencing wear and tear.

If your brake light is on, getting your car inspected is a no-brainer.

But there are a few other warnings to keep your eyes and ears out for including leaking fluid, squealing or grinding noises, unusual vibrations while braking, bouncing and/or a “spongy” feeling brake pedal.

Trust your gut, and your nose. If you smell burning, you need to check your brakes.

Front-End Suspension can feel daunting because it’s comprised of both steering and suspension components.

If your Front-End Suspension is in disrepair, it can potentially affect your alignment, which will cause connecting parts to wear prematurely or cease to function entirely.

These features also affect anything that’s considered “unsprung mass,” which refers to anything that doesn’t sit above the shocks or springs of your car. If you can’t steer or you lose traction you will lose the ability to move, and nothing ruins a road trip faster than a stranded car!

If any of these safety hazards sound familiar, call Tire Town Auto Services for a quick and friendly car inspection! They’ll have your car running smoothly in no time so you can get back to exploring the wide, open road.