Dreams of Spring Break dance through our heads as we continue to endure the cold, grayness of Michigan. Lying on the beach in the hot sun, with the sound of seagulls fighting over snacks left in the sand by previous sunbathers. I can almost smell the sunscreen! Are you taking a road trip for Spring Break? Every year, the week before Spring Break is very busy at local auto repair facilities -- people wanting to get their vehicles checked over before they leave, in hopes of avoiding an emergency pit stop along the way. I would recommend scheduling an appointment at least two weeks before your trip. Have your tires checked, oil changed, fluids checked and filled, hoses and belts checked, and battery tested. Your windshield wipers should be replaced if necessary. Have them check your brakes to see how much of the pad remains. It’s a long trip and parts that are nearing the end of their lifecycle should not be going on the trip with you. Every year, without fail, we get a couple of calls for last minute appointments from people leaving the next day on their trip. Although we leave room in the schedule, sometimes we just cannot do it – just like most shops in Grand Rapids that week. The worst case scenario is that we get their vehicle in, discover some pretty necessary repairs, and they either have to rent a car, borrow a car, or delay their trip by a day. Be proactive, make your appointment early, and put your mind at ease knowing your car has been checked over. We want you to go on your trip and have a great time at the pool or on the beach, not on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.