Pre-Trip Vehicle Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Suzuki Adventure Ready

Getting ready to explore? Use our quick pre-trip vehicle maintenance checklist to make sure your Suzuki is safe and road-ready. And, if anything feels off, your local Suzuki dealership is here to help with pre-trip health checks.

Key Takeaways

• Planning a road trip? Make sure your Suzuki is in shape and road-trip-ready with a few smart checks before you head out.
• Our pre-trip vehicle maintenance checklist is a simple way to make sure your drive is smooth and stress-free.
• Checking basics like tyres, fluids, lights, and warning signs helps you spot potential problems early.
• Suzuki dealerships offer professional vehicle health checks, and a quick car maintenance visit can make all the difference.
• Skip the guesswork and leave the safety checks to the pros. You enjoy the drive, we’ll handle the rest.

Your Suzuki is your everyday partner in adventure, from common commutes to school runs, and joy rides to unforgettable road trips. Whether you’re navigating city traffic or cruising through the great outdoors, your Suzuki’s got your back. 

But like any good partnership, love should go both ways. Like you, your Suzuki needs a little TLC to keep things running smoothly.

In fact, regular servicing can be life-saving (literally!) and help prevent unexpected breakdowns, which, let’s be honest, no one has time for. 

But we know that road trips don’t always follow a timeline, and your Suzuki gives you the freedom to explore whenever the mood strikes. So, before any long drive, it’s a good idea to run through a few pre-trip car maintenance checks. This can help you spot small issues early and keep you feeling confident before you hit the open road. 

We’ve put together an easy-to-follow vehicle maintenance checklist to guide you through your road trip prep. 
And remember: if anything doesn’t feel right, your nearest Suzuki dealership can step in with a professional vehicle health check to make sure you’re all set.

Your Pre-Trip Car Maintenance Checklist 

1. Check Your Engine Oil

• Check your oil with the dipstick while the engine is cool and the car is on level ground.
• If your oil level seems off or it looks dark, your Suzuki dealer can check and top it up correctly.
• A quick check before your next road trip can help prevent issues along your drive.
• Not sure how to check your oil? This  step-by-step article will help.

2. Inspect Coolant Levels

• The coolant level in your reservoir should be between the min and max markers. 
• Coolant is one of those things best left to the experts. Suzuki technicians will know exactly what type to use and how to top it up safely, so you can focus on planning a cool trip (see what we did there?).
• Check your coolant regularly and watch for dashboard warning lights, which signal low coolant levels. Our dashboard warning light infographic explains the different warning lights and their meanings.
  
  

3. Monitor Tyre Pressure and Tread

• Your Suzuki’s specific tyre pressure can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s door.
• Check your tyre pressure at least twice a month and always before a long trip. Never check pressure right after driving, as hot air expands and can give you a false reading.
• Look for signs of uneven wear and check that your tread depth is above 1.6mm. Anything less is not only dangerous but illegal.
  If your tyres are worn or the pressure is low, your Suzuki dealer can assist with rotation or replacement. We can also do a tyre health check to put your mind at ease and give you one less thing to worry about.
• Still wondering why tyre maintenance matters? We break it down here.
  
  

4. Test the Battery

• Listen for slow engine starts; this could signal your battery needs charging or replacement.
• Look for signs of corrosion on the terminals, but avoid touching them! If necessary, let a Suzuki technician handle cleaning or testing. 
• Loose connections should also be professionally secured before your trip.
• To be safe, keep a pair of jumper cables in your boot. Before jump-starting, make sure you read the jump-start directions in your car manual. If you don’t have jumper cables or don’t know how to use them, Suzuki Roadside Assistance is just a call away.
• Most batteries last 3–5 years, but it’s smart to test them annually. Tests can be done at Suzuki dealerships. 

5. Check Brake Fluid

• Pay close attention to your dashboard for any brake-related warning lights.
• Before any long trip, it’s best to have your brake fluid checked by a Suzuki technician, especially if you’ve noticed any recent changes in braking feel or performance. Leaks or dirty fluid can reduce your braking ability and pose serious safety risks. 

6. Lights, Indicators, and Brake Lights

Faulty lights don’t just put you at risk; they can land you with a fine.

• Switch on your lights and indicators, and do a walkaround.
• Don’t forget to check brake lights and reverse lights
• Dead (or dying) bulbs should be replaced as soon as possible.
• If any of your lights seem dim or flickering, your Suzuki dealer can replace them quickly and correctly so you’re fully visible on the road.

7. Wipers and Washer Fluid

Clear visibility is vital, especially when the weather acts up. 

• Top up your windscreen washer fluid with a proper screen wash (not just water).
• Check that your wipers are clearing the windscreen properly. If they’re smearing, skipping spots, or making loud squeaking sounds, it’s time to replace them. 
• If your wipers do need replacing, Suzuki technicians can help with the right fit and quick installation.
  
  
  

8. Listen for Unusual Noises, Smells, or Feelings

Your car has a way of telling you something’s wrong, not just with warning lights but also with sounds, smells, and how it feels on the road.

• Squeaks, clunks, ticking, and grinding can all point to issues that need attention.
• For example, clicking when turning could signal a CV joint issue, and screeching brakes may mean your brake pads are worn and need replacing.
• If you smell anything burning, stop the car immediately (where safe) and call Suzuki Roadside Assistance. 
• When in doubt, have unusual sounds, smells, or feelings checked by a professional to address and avoid bigger problems later on.
  
  

9. Keep It Clean (Inside and Out!)

A clean car doesn’t just sparkle and smell good; it keeps you safe (and extends your car’s lifespan). It’s a small, consistent effort that has a big impact!

• Dirt and grime can cause corrosion and damage your paintwork over time.
• Vacuum the interior and wipe down surfaces to keep things clean and hygienic.
• If you’re not sure where to start, here’s how to wash your car like a pro, inside and out. 

10. Stay on Top of Your Service Schedule

One essential part of vehicle maintenance is to ensure you book your Suzuki for a quick pre-trip check-up before any long journey. 

• Every car model has its own car service intervals, and keeping track is essential. Record your last service and what was done.
• Check your manual or speak to a Suzuki dealer to make sure you’re not missing any critical check-ups before you leave on your trip.

Keep your Suzuki driving like a dream

Doing a few quick checks before your next road trip can help keep your Suzuki safe, reliable, and adventure-ready. 

To keep your car confident and cared for, visit your nearest Suzuki dealer for a vehicle health check before you head out. We’re always here to help!

Want a friendly nudge when it’s time for your next vehicle maintenance service? We’ve got you!
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