Get Your Car Ready for Holiday Road Trips in Colorado Springs

November 2025

The best holiday road trips are the ones where your car never becomes part of the story. Before you pack the presents and load the family, your vehicle needs a thorough inspection covering everything from fluid levels to brake performance. Simple preventive maintenance catches the dead batteries, worn tires, and failing systems that cause expensive, dangerous breakdowns hundreds of miles from home. At Express Auto Repair in Colorado Springs, we specialize in pre-trip inspections that give you confidence on the road.

Ahead, we’ll cover what mechanics check during inspections, quick pre-trip checks anyone can perform, the real cost of roadside emergencies, and why Colorado’s elevation changes demand extra preparation.

The Hidden Costs of Skipping Pre-Trip Maintenance

A breakdown 300 miles from home doesn’t just cost you repair money. You’re looking at towing fees in unfamiliar territory, emergency hotel stays while waiting for parts, missed holiday events, and the stress of dealing with mechanics you’ve never met. A pre-trip inspection suddenly looks pretty smart compared to an expensive roadside disaster that could have been prevented.

Even worse? Some issues that seem minor at home become dangerous on the highway. That slight brake squeal you’ve been ignoring? At 75 mph heading out of Colorado Springs on I-25, it could mean the difference between a safe stop and a serious accident.

Your Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

Under the Hood Essentials

Engine Oil: Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoothly during long highway stretches. Check the level and color. If it’s dark or gritty, time for a change.
Coolant System: Colorado’s elevation changes mean temperature swings your cooling system needs to handle. Low coolant or a weak radiator cap can lead to overheating on mountain passes.
Brake Fluid: Often overlooked but critical. Contaminated brake fluid loses effectiveness, especially under the heavy braking conditions of mountain driving.
Power Steering Fluid: Makes a huge difference in handling, particularly when navigating unfamiliar roads or parking in tight spots at your destination.
Transmission Fluid: Keeps your transmission shifting smoothly. Long highway drives put continuous stress on this system, so proper fluid level matters.

Tires: Your Only Contact With the Road

Tread Depth: The penny test works (insert Lincoln’s head into the tread; if you see his whole head, replace the tire), but 4/32″ is the minimum for safe winter driving in Colorado Springs and surrounding mountain areas
Tire Pressure: Check when tires are cold, including your spare. Proper inflation improves fuel economy by up to 3% and prevents blowouts
Uneven Wear: Indicates alignment issues that’ll only get worse over hundreds of highway miles
Sidewall Damage: Cracks, bulges, or cuts can lead to sudden tire failure at highway speeds
Age: Even with good tread, tires over six years old become brittle and unsafe

Please note: Our Briargate location does not currently offer tire sales or wheel alignments. These services are available at our Montebello Lane and Galley Road locations.

Battery and Electrical System

Cold weather is brutal on batteries. In Colorado Springs’ winter climate, a battery that starts your car fine in your heated garage might fail completely at a rest stop in freezing temperatures. Have your battery tested for:

Charge capacity and cranking amps
Terminal corrosion that increases resistance
Alternator output to ensure proper charging
Belt condition (a snapped serpentine belt kills everything)

Brake System Evaluation

Front and Rear Pad Thickness: Should be at least 3mm. Less than that and you’re gambling.
Rotor Condition: Grooves, scoring, or warping affect stopping power and cause vibration during braking.
Brake Lines: Check for leaks, cracks, or corrosion, especially on older vehicles.
Parking Brake: Often forgotten until you’re parked on a steep Colorado mountain road.

Don’t have time to check everything yourself? Let our ASE-certified technicians handle your pre-trip inspection. Call Express Auto Repair at (719) 358-9109 (Montebello), (719) 630-8729 (Galley Road), or (719) 698-3565 (Briargate) to book your appointment. We’ll have you road-ready fast.

The Systems You Forget About (Until They Fail)

Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid

Colorado weather changes fast. You might leave under sunny skies and hit snow an hour later. Streaky wipers turn a minor snowfall into a white-knuckle experience. Replace blades showing any signs of cracking or streaking, and fill your washer reservoir with winter formula that won’t freeze.

All Your Lights

Walk around your car and test everything: headlights (low and high beam), taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights. A burned-out brake light isn’t just a safety issue; it’s also an invitation for a traffic stop that delays your trip.

A/C and Heating System

Your climate control needs to work in both directions during Colorado travel. Morning might be 20 degrees, afternoon could hit 60. Test both heating and A/C before you leave. A cabin air filter clogged with dust and pollen makes the system work harder and reduces airflow.

Suspension and Steering

Long highway miles amplify small problems. A slightly worn shock absorber that you barely notice around town becomes a bouncing nightmare after 200 miles. Test your suspension by pushing down hard on each corner of the vehicle. It should bounce once and settle. Multiple bounces mean worn shocks.

The 48-Hour Pre-Departure Plan

Two days before you leave from Colorado Springs, take your vehicle for a highway test drive. Get it up to speed, test the brakes from highway speeds (safely), and listen for unusual noises. This gives you time to address any issues you discover without the pressure of an imminent departure.

Day Before Departure:

Top off all fluids
Verify tire pressure one final time
Test all lights again
Charge your phone and pack a car charger
Load emergency supplies

Morning of Travel:

Quick visual inspection under the car for leaks
Verify everyone’s seatbelt fits properly
Secure all cargo
Set GPS and share your route

What to Pack for Colorado Springs Holiday Travel

Colorado Springs drivers heading to mountain destinations should pack extra layers, as temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees at higher elevations.

Emergency Kit Essentials:

Blankets or sleeping bags (Colorado temperatures drop fast)
Water and non-perishable snacks
Flashlight with fresh batteries
Basic first aid kit
Phone charger and backup power bank
Jumper cables or portable jump starter
Ice scraper and snow brush
Small shovel for snow
Tire pressure gauge

Bonus Items:

Duct tape and zip ties (temporary fixes for a million things)
Work gloves
Tow strap
Reflective triangles or flares
Multi-tool or basic toolset

Express Auto Repair: Your Pre-Trip Inspection Partner

Express Auto Repair is the only NAPA Gold Certified shop in Colorado Springs, and all three of our locations are AAA-approved facilities. We know exactly what it takes to keep your vehicle running strong in Colorado’s unique driving conditions.

Our Pre-Trip Service Includes:

Complete multi-point inspection covering all major systems
Advanced diagnostic scanning to identify hidden issues
Transparent recommendations with no pressure
Same-day service available for urgent travel plans
Quality NAPA parts backed by a 36-month/36,000-mile nationwide warranty

Why Colorado Springs Drivers Choose Us:

ASE Blue Seal of Excellence certification
Specialists in Subaru, Toyota, Honda, and Volkswagen
Instant online estimates before you visit
Easy financing through Snap, DigniFi, Koalafi, and NAPA Easy Pay
Shuttle service, WiFi, and comfortable waiting areas
We service Japanese, European, hybrid, and EV vehicles

We don’t sell parts separately. We focus entirely on expert repair and maintenance services. With locations at Montebello Lane, Galley Road, and Briargate Boulevard (right next to Chapel Hills Mall), we’re conveniently located near major highways, perfect for last-minute pre-trip checks.

FAQs About Car Maintenance Before Road Trips

How far in advance should I get my car checked before a road trip?

Schedule your pre-trip inspection at least one week before departure to allow time for any necessary repairs or part orders. This timeline prevents last-minute stress and ensures your vehicle is properly prepared without rushing the service.

What car maintenance is most important before a long trip?

The most critical maintenance items include checking tire condition and pressure, testing your battery, inspecting brake performance, verifying all fluid levels, and ensuring lights work properly. These systems directly impact your safety and reliability during travel.

How much does a pre-trip car inspection cost?

Pre-trip inspection costs depend on which systems are checked and how comprehensive the evaluation is. We provide upfront estimates so you know exactly what to expect, and our thorough inspections help prevent costly breakdowns during your travels.

Can I do my own pre-trip car inspection?

While you can check some basic items like tire pressure, fluid levels, and lights yourself, a professional inspection uses specialized equipment to identify hidden problems. Mechanics can spot issues with brakes, suspension, and electrical systems that aren’t visible during casual observation.

What should I keep in my car for a road trip?

Essential items include a spare tire with changing equipment, jumper cables, emergency kit with blankets and water, flashlight with extra batteries, basic tools, phone charger, and copies of important documents. Colorado trips should also include winter emergency supplies during cold months.

Schedule Your Holiday Road Trip Inspection in Colorado Springs Today

Ready to hit the road with total peace of mind? Let Express Auto Repair make sure your vehicle is as prepared for the holidays as you are. Our experienced ASE-certified technicians provide thorough inspections and honest recommendations, so you can focus on the fun parts of travel instead of worrying about what’s under your hood.

We’ve got three convenient locations to serve you:

Montebello Lane: 5360 Montebello Ln, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 | (719) 358-9109
Galley Road: 3655 Galley Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 | (719) 630-8729
Briargate Blvd: 1815 Briargate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 | (719) 698-3565

Schedule online for same-day service, get a free instant estimate on our website, or just swing by. Your holiday adventure starts with us keeping you safe on the road.