Planning a road trip across Maryland or beyond? Whether you’re headed to the beach, the mountains, or a long-overdue family visit, the last thing you want is car trouble on the road. At Catlett’s Auto Service & Towing, we’ve helped countless drivers avoid road trip disasters with proactive vehicle inspections and maintenance. If you’re getting ready to hit the road, here’s your go-to checklist to ensure your vehicle is road-ready.
1. Schedule a Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
A week or two before your trip, schedule a comprehensive inspection at Catlett’s Auto Service in Davidsonville. Our experienced technicians will assess your car from bumper to bumper, including:
- Fluids: Oil, coolant, transmission, brake, and windshield washer fluid levels.
- Brakes: Pad wear, fluid levels, and rotor condition.
- Battery: Charge strength and terminal connections.
- Tires: Tread depth, air pressure, and signs of wear or damage.
- Lights & Wipers: Ensuring visibility and safety during all weather conditions.
A pre-trip inspection helps identify any hidden issues before they turn into expensive (and dangerous) problems on the highway.
2. Don’t Forget the Tires
Tires are one of the most common culprits of roadside issues. Before your trip:
- Check tire pressure (including the spare) and inflate to manufacturer specs.
- Look for uneven wear or cracking.
- Rotate or replace tires if needed.
- Make sure your lug wrench and jack are in the trunk and functional.
If you’re unsure whether your tires are road-trip ready, bring your vehicle by Catlett’s—we’ll inspect them for free and recommend the best options if replacements are needed.
3. Test Your Battery
Summer heat and winter cold are equally harsh on car batteries. If your battery is over three years old, get it tested before your trip. We’ll check the voltage and condition at Catlett’s and replace it on the spot if needed—so you’re not stuck waiting for a jump on the side of I-97.
4. Keep Emergency Towing Info Handy
Even with the best preparation, emergencies can happen. Make sure you’re prepared:
- Store our 24/7 towing number (410-956-2466) in your phone.
- Carry a roadside emergency kit with jumper cables, flashlight, first aid supplies, and a tire repair kit.
- Know where your registration and insurance documents are located in your vehicle.
At Catlett’s, our towing service covers Davidsonville and surrounding areas—day or night. If you break down, help is just a phone call away.
5. Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance
If your road trip will push you past your next scheduled oil change, brake check, or fluid top-off, take care of it before you leave. Delaying even routine services can increase your risk of mechanical issues, poor fuel economy, or safety hazards on the road.
Our ASE-certified technicians will help you prioritize what needs immediate attention versus what can wait, based on mileage and driving conditions.
6. Don’t Overload the Vehicle
Planning to bring luggage, coolers, sports gear, or even tow a trailer? Make sure your vehicle can handle the load. Overloaded vehicles put extra stress on:
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Transmission
- Tires
We can inspect your vehicle’s load-bearing capacity and offer tips for safe towing or packing.
7. Fuel Up Smartly
Don’t let your fuel filter or air filter hinder your road trip. A clogged filter can lower fuel efficiency and reduce engine performance. Catlett’s offers quick filter replacements so you can enjoy the best performance and gas mileage during your journey.
Why Choose Catlett’s Before Your Next Road Trip?
- ✅ Locally owned and operated since 1976
- ✅ Full-service auto care and diagnostics
- ✅ 24-hour towing and emergency support
- ✅ Friendly, transparent service with no upsells
- ✅ Convenient Davidsonville location, just off MD Route 214
Our goal is to keep your trip safe, smooth, and stress-free.
Contact Us to Book Your Road Trip Inspection
Don’t wait until you’re 200 miles from home to find out something’s wrong with your car. Let the professionals at Catlett’s Auto Service & Towing get you road-trip ready with expert care and peace of mind.
📞 Service Line: 410-798-5446
🚨 24-Hour Towing: 410-956-2466
📍 537 W Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD 21035
🕗 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM