Labor Day Road Trip Inspection: What Buford Drivers Should Check Before Hitting the Highway

Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and I-85, GA-20, and the Buford Connector all see heavy traffic as families head out for one last summer getaway. Before you load up the car and merge onto the interstate, a quick pre-trip inspection can be the difference between a smooth drive and a roadside breakdown in 90-degree heat.

Here's what our technicians at Team Ryan Automotive recommend checking before any long-distance trip out of Buford.

1. Tires: Tread, Pressure, and Spare

• Tread depth — Run the penny test (Lincoln's head facing down) on all four tires, including the spare. Worn tread means longer stopping distances, especially in a summer thunderstorm.
• Tire pressure — Check pressure when tires are cold and set to the number on the driver's door jamb, not the number printed on the tire itself. Underinflated tires overheat faster on long highway stretches.
• Visible damage — Look for sidewall bulges, cracks, or uneven wear, which can signal an alignment issue.

2. Brakes

Squealing, grinding, or a soft brake pedal are all signs that pads, rotors, or fluid need attention. With extra weight in the car from luggage and passengers, worn brakes wear out faster and stop less effectively — not something you want to discover in traffic on the way to the lake.

3. Fluids

• Engine oil — Confirm you're not overdue for a change; heat and highway miles put extra strain on old oil.
• Coolant — Low coolant is one of the top causes of summer overheating and breakdowns.
• Windshield washer fluid — Georgia road dust and bugs add up fast on a long drive.
• Transmission and brake fluid — Worth a quick look if it's been a while since your last service.

4. Battery

Summer heat is actually harder on batteries than winter cold — it accelerates corrosion and fluid evaporation inside the battery. A battery that's been struggling to start your car around town is far more likely to leave you stranded at a rest stop. A quick load test can tell you if it's still got a full trip left in it.

5. Air Conditioning

An AC system blowing warm air isn't just uncomfortable on a Georgia summer drive — it can also point to a refrigerant leak that's worth catching early.

6. Belts, Hoses, and Wipers

Cracked belts and soft, bulging hoses are common culprits behind roadside breakdowns in hot weather. Wiper blades that streak or skip should be replaced before you're caught in a highway downpour with reduced visibility.

7. Lights

Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazards all matter more on unfamiliar highways, especially if any part of your trip runs into evening traffic.

Team Ryan Automotive — Buford: 2959 S. Waterworks Rd, Buford, GA 30518 · Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–6:00 pm · teamryanautomotive.com