THE SUMMER ROAD-TRIP CHECKLIST RICHARD ACTUALLY RUNS
Colorado summers mean road trips — the mountains, Carlsbad, Yellowstone, the canyons. Nothing kills a road trip faster than a roadside breakdown 400 miles from home. Here's the pre-trip inspection Richard at Iron Horse Automotive Repair actually runs — not the upsell-fest you'd get elsewhere.
1. Cooling System
Summer heat + mountain climbs = the #1 cause of road-trip failures. We check coolant level, hose condition, radiator pressure, fan operation, and thermostat. A bad water pump can be caught in 5 minutes with a stethoscope — far cheaper than a hotel night while you wait for a tow.
2. Tires — All Four, Including Tread Depth and Sidewall Condition
Heat stress + highway speeds expose tire weaknesses. We check tread depth (anything under 4/32 should be replaced before a long trip), sidewall cracking, pressure, and uneven wear patterns that indicate alignment issues. Don't forget the spare.
3. Brakes
Long downhill stretches (looking at you, US-50 west of Pueblo) cook brakes that are 'fine in town.' We measure pad thickness, rotor condition, fluid quality, and check for leaks. Better to know now.
4. Belts and Hoses
A serpentine belt that's marginal on a Tuesday morning fails on Friday afternoon at 11,000 feet. We inspect for cracks, glazing, and proper tension. Hoses get the squeeze test — soft means failing.
5. Battery and Charging System
Heat is harder on batteries than cold. We load-test the battery (a 3-year-old battery that 'seems fine' often fails the load test) and verify charging system output. A dead battery in the middle of nowhere is preventable.
6. Oil and Fluids
If you're due in the next 2,000 miles, change it before you leave. Long highway miles count differently than city miles. We also check transmission, brake, power steering, and washer fluid.
7. Air Conditioning
We test the system pressure and outlet temperature. If you're driving with two kids across Arizona in July and the AC quits, you'll wish you'd had it checked.
8. Wipers and Lights
Tiny stuff, but a wiper that streaks in a Colorado afternoon thunderstorm is dangerous. Headlight aim, brake light operation, license plate light — all 30-second checks.
Heading out this summer? Book a pre-trip inspection at Iron Horse — (719) 240-3165. We're honest, fair, and fast. Mon–Fri 9–5 at 1005 N Erie Ave.