A great summer vacations starts with a safe arrival

Sunnier Chicago days signal summer soon will be sizzling. No doubt, Winnetka motorists are ready to embrace the warm weather, but how about our cars?

If a vacation vs. a staycation is in your family’s forecast, it makes sense to ensure your vehicle is up for the rigors of the open road.

Don’t take for granted your vehicle is prepared for the haul from Wilmette to Vermont or Winnetka to Ohio. Have the pros at Hong Kong Auto Service check it from bumper to bumper and guarantee a smooth ride. The best time to make an appointment for a pre-trip inspection is a week or two before you hit the road. This lead time is helpful for several reasons:

1. Guarantee getting an appointment. Scheduling an appointment a week or two before your trip ensures scheduling at a convenient time instead of becoming another checkbox in a frenzied last-minute, pre-trip to-do list. Planning to travel during a peak holiday, such as July 4^th? Remember: The competition is fierce as lots of other motorists vie for those last-minute appointments.
2. Ensure sufficient repair-completion time. Don’t be forced into delaying your trip or renting a car if your vehicle requires a major repair. Most repairs take only day or two, but some major fixes, such as a transmission or head-gasket replacement, demand several days to complete. Even with minor to mid-sized auto repairs, it’s smart to leave a little wiggle room in case of parts-delivery delays or other complications.
3. Drive locally for a few days after repairs. Several days might transpire before instilling confidence that some problems, particularly sporadically occurring situations, are taken care of. Leave time to cruise around town in Evanston before your vacation, just to make sure your new tires are balanced or those new brakes stop smoothly.

Bring your car to Hong Kong Auto Service and our ASE-certified technicians will ensure the following are ready for the trip ahead:

• A/C & heating
• battery
• belts and hoses
• brakes
• exhaust system
• fluid levels and condition—Including looking for leaks
• lights, wipers and horn
• suspension and steering
• tire tread and condition
• 4WD

If you have questions on your vehicle’s pre-vacation condition, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to help.