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A new viral video has created lots of doubts about
one of the most common habits we do
before traveling: taking the car to the mechanic right before a long trip. Something we usually do but, it is as safe as we think it is?
Billy, a mechanic known on TikTok,
says this decision might be the biggest mistake you can make if you’re about to drive hundreds of kilometres. His advice has sparked debate, and many drivers are now rethinking their routines before a trip. Let’s talk about them.
The warning from a mechanic that has gone viral
When you’re about to go on a long trip, the most logical thing seems to be making sure everything is fine with your car. Changing the oil, checking the brakes, looking at fluid levels… it sounds responsible. But for Billy, a mechanic with thousands of followers, that logic is dangerous.
In a video with over 400,000 views, Billy shows a car with a broken wire, allegedly damaged during a last-minute check-up. And he gives a warning in a sarcastic tone: “That’s why you don’t take the car to the mechanic right before the trip to wherever you’re going”. His message isn’t just provocative: he argues that checking the car so close to the trip can reveal problems you won’t have time to fix.
Why shouldn’t you check the car right before the trip?
One of the issues Billy mentions is that if the mechanic finds a serious problem, you won’t have time to fix it without postponing your trip. In his video, he mocks a customer who wanted to drive 900 miles the next day… but whose car was no longer ready after the issue was found.
The psychological factor
Many mechanics claim that as soon as a customer mentions they need the car for an important trip, the car gets “jinxed”. It sounds like superstition, but the truth is that working in a rush and under pressure is not ideal for precise repairs.
The car may seem fine… until it’s not
Small problems that could have been solved calmly, like a loose wire or a worn belt, can turn into a disaster if discovered at the last minute. Planning ahead is key.
So, when should you take it to the shop?
Scheduling the check-up 7 to 10 days before the trip gives you time to act. If something serious comes up, you can fix it without canceling anything. Also, if you need parts, there’s time for them to arrive.
Maintenance shouldn’t be done just because there’s a trip. Regular preventive care is still the best strategy to protect your car and avoid emergencies. Checking before each season or after a certain number of miles is more effective than a one-time check-up before leaving.
What should you check before you leave?
Although Billy doesn’t recommend a last-minute trip to the mechanic, there are things you can check yourself:
- Tire pressure and condition, including the spare.
- Fluid levels: oil, coolant, windshield washer.
- Lights and brakes, especially if you notice vibrations or noises.
- Air conditioning and windshield wipers, to avoid surprises.
- Emergency kit with water, first aid, and jumper cables.
Prevention, yes. Panic, no.
Billy’s message is not to ignore your car’s condition, but to avoid relying on a rushed check-up right before departure. The more you plan, the fewer surprises you’ll get on the road. The key is to understand that maintenance is not a last-minute fix, but an ongoing strategy to take care of your vehicle… and your trip.
Tips to avoid car trouble!
- Don’t wait until the last minute! Plan your vehicle check-up at least a week before your trip so you have time to solve any issues calmly.
- Avoid announcing to your mechanic that you’re traveling soon (pressure can lead to rushed work).
- Check tire pressure, fluids, brakes, and lights yourself.
- Carry an emergency kit
