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Get Road Trip Ready: Pre-Trip Inspections At SWC Automotive

Get Road Trip Ready: Pre-Trip Inspections at SWC Automotive

Are you planning a road trip out of Burlington, ON? Whether you’re heading north to cottage country, exploring the Niagara region, or making your way across the province, one thing is essential—making sure your vehicle is safe, reliable, and ready to go. That’s where SWC Automotive comes in. Our comprehensive road trip inspections give you peace of mind before you hit the open road.

Why You Need A Road Trip Inspection

Long drives can be tough on a vehicle, especially if it hasn’t had a check-up in a while. A pre-trip inspection helps catch potential issues early so you don’t end up stranded on the side of the highway. It’s all about safe operating conditions, saving money on emergency repairs, and keeping your trip stress-free.

What We Check During A Road Trip Inspection

At SWC Automotive, our technicians will thoroughly visually inspect and test key components of your car. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included in our trip inspections:

1. Tires And Wheels

Your tires are one of the most important safety features of your car. We’ll:

  • Check your tires for signs of wear, bulges, or cracks
  • Measure tire tread depth to ensure safe traction
  • Adjust tire pressure to meet manufacturer guidelines
  • Inspect your spare tire and jack to make sure your vehicle is equipped for emergencies

2. Braking System

Reliable brakes are critical on long trips, especially with passengers and luggage on board. We check:

  • Brake pads and rotors for wear
  • Brake lines and hoses
  • Brake fluid level and condition

If we notice anything that doesn’t look right, we’ll let you know right away.

3. Fluid Levels

Fluids are essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Our inspection includes:

  • Washer fluid—so you can clean your windshield on the go
  • Brake fluid—to ensure stopping power is at its best
  • Power steering fluid—critical for steering control
  • Engine oil—checked for level and clarity
  • Coolant—vital to prevent overheating

We top up low fluids and advise you if any replacements are needed.

4. Wipers And Visibility

Seeing clearly is a must during any road trip. We’ll check your:

  • Windshield wipers and wiper blades for proper movement and streak-free performance
  • Washer system to ensure windshield washer spray works correctly
  • Lights—headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to confirm they work properly

5. Battery And Charging System

Nothing puts a damper on a trip like a dead battery. During your vehicle inspection, we’ll:

  • Test battery strength
  • Check for corrosion or loose terminals
  • Examine the alternator and charging system for reliability

What Makes SWC Automotive Different?

We’re more than just a repair shop—we’re a family-run team that genuinely cares about your vehicle and your safety. For over 20 years, we’ve been helping Burlington residents travel confidently and comfortably. When you visit us for a pre-trip inspection, we’ll treat your car like it’s our own.

Bonus Tips For Your Road Trip

Here are a few extra things to remember before you head out:

  • Pack an emergency kit with jumper cables, flashlight, and first aid
  • Bring extra washer fluid and engine oil just in case
  • Keep your vehicle manual in the glove box for reference
  • Download offline maps in case of spotty service

Book Your Inspection Today

Before you set off on your next big adventure, make sure your vehicle is up for the challenge. A proper vehicle inspection can save you a lot of time, stress, and money on the road.

SWC Automotive makes it easy to get your car road trip ready. With our trip inspections, we’ll check every key system so you can travel with confidence.

Call us or book online today—your road trip starts with a safe ride.

 

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Our Customer Reviews

Thorough, knowledgeable, friendly and didn’t push to oversell. Just stated the facts and backed up their statements with photos and videos and then let us decide. Thanks!!!

Angie M Feb 16, 2026

Awesome service,great people!

Sam Feb 11, 2026

Great service, both technical and customer care.

Daniel Piros Jan 17, 2024

Service at all times has been over the top and very professional as well. I certainly have the utmost confidence in the Service Manager Fred who diagnosed and fixed my recent problem to a “T”

Mitchell Leslie Nov 19, 2025

Always a pleasure going to this shop! Been my go to shop when needed things done on my car since 2021!

Lenox Salvador Dec 30, 2025

Highly recommend this shop. Always friendly and fast service. Had our truck towed in over the holiday weekend. Within a few hours of opening, they already found the issue and had an estimate sent over. Truck was back up and running by early afternoon. I will continue bringing our fleet here. Thanks again guys

Matthew Ragona Dec 29, 2025

Best auto shop I have ever been too. Period !

Mich Dec 24, 2025

Super friendly staff and always helpful with car advice. Been going to them for a few years now and will continue to

Andrew Moffitt Dec 13, 2025

Recently, I was having some problems with my car, and instead of taking it to the dealership—as I’ve always done in the past—I decided to try out SWC Automate. From the moment I walked in, Mike at the front desk was courteous, professional, and very friendly, which immediately made me feel comfortable and confident about my decision. They diagnosed the issue with my car quickly and explained everything clearly and professionally. Mike took the time to walk me through what the problem was, what needed to be done, and how much it would cost. I really appreciated the transparency and the fact that nothing felt rushed or confusing. The repair work was completed efficiently and done to my full satisfaction. My car has been running smoothly ever since, and I truly feel like I received honest, high-quality service. Needless to say, from now on I’ll be taking my car to SWC Automate for any repairs or maintenance. I would not hesitate to highly recommend them to anyone looking for skilled, friendly, and professional auto service.

Khalid Khan Dec 10, 2025

Excellent customer service, superb service, love their quotes! I recommend SWC Automotive. Thank you Mike!

Gloria Calderon Dec 5, 2025

At SWC - they explain things, they take their time with you, they care, they listen, they're pleasant. So glad we discovered you!

Katherine McLeod Nov 25, 2020

Excellent Service. All work done on my car was done on time and of a very high standard . I have dealt with SWC for a few years now and have never been disappointed with the work they do . From the time you first go ( no matter what the problem ) in to the time you pick up your vehicle the service is First and you are made to feel very confident with the work being done. The Service Manager Sandra is very knowledgeable and the guys in the shop do excellent work. Matthew work on my car this time. The whole experience is very good. For those who require a Loner vehicle they also arrange that so you are never without a vehicle , which is very important for a lot of people. I would and have recommended SWC to many people.

John Apr 14, 2022

Always very good and quick service, highly recommended

Doug Howell Nov 12, 2024

Excellent service and prices. I've been a customer for many years.

R M Sep 7, 2024

A friendly efficient shop. I definitely will recommend this business to others.

Anne McAra Nov 24, 2025

Fabulous care.- very nice and friendly service..Great job as always. Wonderful staff

Anne Ellerbeck Feb 1, 2021

Always top notch service from SWC. I have been bringing our cars here for service for years now.

Todd Smith May 25, 2022

Im very happy with the service , i love the report they send you before the repair. I Only took my car here once but it will definitely not be the last.

Chris Bartolotta Nov 20, 2025

I can’t say enough great things about SWC Automotives! Sandra, Mike, and the entire team consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service. Whether it’s a routine maintenance visit or tire change,, they’re always professional, honest, and incredibly knowledgeable. What truly sets them apart is their genuine care for their customers — they take the time to explain everything clearly and make sure you feel confident and comfortable with the work being done. It’s rare to find a shop that combines expertise, integrity, and friendly service so perfectly. Huge thanks to everyone at SWC Automotives for always treating me well and keeping my car running smoothly. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for a trustworthy automotive team! 🚗👏

RR2887 Nov 8, 2025

I'm very satisfied with the work you have done on my vehicle. The staff are very pleasant when entering the building.

Don Lowe Oct 5, 2022

SWC AUTOMOTIVE provides everything I want in automobile service. They are courteous, friendly, and professional. They communicate superbly. Their bills are models of clarity; they provide video and answer questions promptly and simply. There is good follow-through, and their waiting room is clean and pleasant. It is reassuring to have such exemplary service. I trust them.

Lorraine DeGroote Nov 7, 2025

Straight forward, no surprises, knowledgable, thorough and reasonable. Will be back.

William Ralph Nov 6, 2025

I’ve always had a great experience at SWC. They’re upfront and honest about any repairs. They also have been very accommodating under emergencies. Highly recommend!

Steven F Oct 7, 2025

Very helpful initial over the phone assessment, description of the diagnostic process and setting aside a courtesy vehicle (Sandra). Detailed vehicle condition report: documenting with pictures the condition of the vehicle on arrival, multi point visual inspection with results presented, clear description of diagnostic related work done, pictures documenting diagnostic tools readouts and providing recommendations for the repair work to be done. Highly thorough and procedure driven repair work, willing to go the extra mile and doing multiple road tests to ensure the repair was successful (John). Very knowledgeable, discussing the report results in detail and flexible in providing path forward options (Michael) The only possible improvement, would be to take the courtesy vehicles to a car spa :) Thank you for the great finishing touch, with the note and candy found on the dash when I picked up the car.

Alex Poll Sep 18, 2025

I recently entrusted SWC Auto with a heat shield replacement on my vehicle, and the experience was nothing short of exemplary—redefining what superior automotive service should entail. In a gesture of true hospitality, they provided a courtesy vehicle, ensuring my daily routine remained uninterrupted and demonstrating their commitment to customer-centric convenience. Forty-eight hours after the service, SWC followed up, blending technical prowess with heartfelt care. If you’re seeking the pinnacle of reliability and professionalism, look no further—this is automotive service at its zenith. An unequivocal five-star recommendation!

Wayras Olivier Sep 16, 2025

I am very pleased with recent service at SVC - efficient, friendly, well-equipped waiting area and a fair price! Impressive in all the ways that count - I'll be back!

Sally Shea Sep 4, 2025

Great customer service and excellent staff, Reliable and professional. I was givem a loaner vehicle as well. Thanks

Ron Moore Oct 6, 2020

I visited this place about a few months back to get repairs on my car and i met Ryan and Antonio. They were very welcoming friendly and informative. The work on my car was done very professional and i am very happy with theor work, shall visit again.

Bhavesh Sippy Aug 21, 2025

SWC Automotive came recommended from my mechanic in the States. They did not disappoint. I frequently updated on the progress of work. They discussed options for correcting the sensor fault. The finishing touches was a handwritten note left on my dash when I picked up the car. Thank you!

Nicholas Rago Aug 17, 2025

Quality service. Fair pricing. Professional service and great staff.

Felix Aug 15, 2025

Everybody was bery professional and attentive. Mike has been very helpful and everyone working at the back end as well.

Karim Hany Aug 7, 2025

Excellent service from Sandra, John and SWC team. Highly recommended!

Alex Zheng Aug 4, 2025

So far so good with their service. Keep it up. Loaner vehicle is a blessing 👍👍👍

William Wong Jun 18, 2022

high quality service! staffs are friendly, helpful and informative!

XIAONING ZHANG Jul 29, 2025

A great outcome to a stressful time. Our car was taken to SWC for the first time but due to the service, constant updates, and friendly attitude we have put them at number one on our speed dial. Nick was great to deal with from the initial call to the last. Would highly recommend!!!!

Karl Cookson Jul 10, 2025

Engine light issue and brake fluid service. Booked service and loaner car and all work completed the next day. Glad to have people I trust looking after my vehicle and friendly staff. THX SWC

Robert Cully Jan 11, 2024

Hey what else could you ask for other than free work done... but definitely would recommend this place... great service staff friendly and there too work with you not rip yyou off.

Ed Pengelly Jun 5, 2020

Unbelievable service! SWC was able to accommodate my daughter here from the States with only one day to have work done. Amazing customer service from start to finish. Friendly and compassionate staff! My goto shop for sure.

N Holland Jun 18, 2023

Excellent service!!! These guys are top notch for service and customer service.

Robert Choi Dec 13, 2024
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