Back to all

Why a Trip Inspection Is a Good Idea

May 23, 2021

At Charlie's Fast Lube Poplar Bluff we get a lot of Poplar Bluff drivers asking about vehicle trip preparation. That's a big deal. You could be driving through mountains and deserts in some pretty lonely areas around Missouri, so it's important to know that the vehicle is up to the task and won't leave you stranded.

Smart Poplar Bluff drivers plan ahead for a major road trip – and there are a lot of things to get ready. Where should you start? You could start with the tires. Look them over for tread wear and check to see that they are properly inflated. Take a quick test drive around Poplar Bluff to see if you can feel any vibrations: Are the wheels in balance? Is the car tracking straight? Is the alignment ok? Come to Charlie's Fast Lube Poplar Bluff for a peace-of-mind trip inspection.

2020 N. Westwood Blvd
Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901
573-686-5585
http://www.charliesfastlubepoplarbluff.com

The next thing is a full service oil change to make sure all of your fluids are topped off and you have fresh oil for the trip. And if your car has over 75,000 miles/120,000 km, you may consider putting in the high-mileage formulation to clean harmful sludge deposits in the engine. 

How about your transmission and brakes? Have you had your transmission and brakes inspected in the last six months?

How are your wiper blades? There's nothing like not being able to get rid of the bug juice on a long road trip away from Poplar Bluff.

Check your owner's manual for any other recommended services, and have Charlie's Fast Lube Poplar Bluff in Poplar Bluff do the multi-point inspection before you head out on your trip.

Consider also having the coolant system serviced at Charlie's Fast Lube Poplar Bluff – you want to stay within the vehicle manufacture’s recommendations. If you're towing a trailer around Missouri you'll want to be keep in mind that you'll be going a long way under severe conditions.

A lot of Poplar Bluff drivers overlook severe conditions like towing, Missouri summer heat or driving on dirt roads. Plan ahead for your next road trip – Charlie's Fast Lube Poplar Bluff wants you to get there and back.

Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Charlie's Fast Lube Poplar Bluff

Differential Service

March 15, 2026

When you're driving and turn a corner, you probably aren't aware of all that's going on with your wheels. The outside wheels have a longer distance to travel than the inside wheels, so there are gears that allow the wheels to go at different speeds when you turn. That set of gears is called a d... More

The Right Stuff (Choosing Replacement Parts)

March 8, 2026

Let's face it. Vehicles are complicated machines, each having thousands of parts. And since they're subjected to heat, cold, vibrations, bumps and much more, these parts wear out and need to be replaced. When your service advisor says you need a new part, you may have many options. Let's say ... More

Timing is Everything (Timing Cover Replacement)

March 1, 2026

Theres an important part in your vehicle that shields your timing belt, timing chain or cam belt from the debris and gunk that can be kicked up from the road. Its called the timing cover. Its important because the timing belt or chain is what coordinates parts of your engine called the camshaft... More