TOP 10 HOLIDAY VEHICLE CHECKS BEFORE YOU SET OFF
Posted by Julie Smith on
HOLIDAYS ARE COMING, IS YOUR CAR READY?
Are you planning a holiday or simply lovely days out with the family, or you maybe taking your car with you overseas. Regardless of whether it’s the UK, France or somewhere else if you’re planning a long drive this summer, make sure you’ve completed your holiday car checks first. Otherwise, you will be adding roadside recovery to your list of holiday excursions!
- CHECK YOUR OIL - Oil checks are simple - lift the bonnet and find your oil dipstick. Your dipstick is easy to spot, it looks like a ring pull (usually yellow or orange) coming out of the engine. Next, make sure the oil level is between the min and max markers at the end. If it is below the min marker then you need to top the oil up. However, be certain to use the correct oil - you can find this information in your vehicle handbook. Oil is the mechanical blood of your car and without it your engine would cease resulting in not just a breakdown but also a possible hefty repair bill for replacement parts. If you are still not sure, then check your vehicle handbook, or pop in and see us for a FREE Check.
CHECK YOUR SCREEN WASH - While you have your bonnet open check your water levels for your screen wash. This one is easy to find as it usually is a circular cap with a picture of your windscreen. Even if it is Summer we would still advise some antifreeze or screen wash mix as it helps cut through grime and squished insects - better still you are protected just in case you drive through a freak blizzard!!
CHECK YOUR COOLANT - There are two parts to your coolant check, one is the coolant fluid, and the other is your coolant fan. To check the fluid, refer to your handbook to locate your coolant filler cap under your bonnet. Then make sure the liquid is between the min and max marks on the expansion tank. If it needs topping up then make sure your engine has cooled down otherwise you could burn yourself. Then use the right antifreeze to top it up. If you are uncertain just ask and we can do this for you. When it comes to your coolant fan, you have to check this while driving: (1) Set your car heater to cold. (2) Drive until your engine reaches average temperature. (3) Stop and let the car cool for 3-5 minutes. (4) Watch your temperature gauge - this should cool automatically. If your car doesn’t seem to be cooling, then pop in and see us and be safe.
CHECK YOUR LIGHTS - This seems obvious, but park up and pop your lights on. Then walk around the car to check them all. Make sure you inspect your standard lights, full beam, hazards and indicators. In addition to this, check your brake lights by getting someone to take a look while you press the pedal. Furthermore, do not forget the light above your number plate. Also, make sure you have checked the rules if you are travelling abroad (some have changed recently) - For instance, it is compulsory to carry spare bulbs if you’re going through France and some other European countries.
LOCKING WHEEL NUT KEY - If you suffer a puncture on your trip and forget your wheel nut key, then you will be in trouble - not only will you be unable to remove the tyre, but neither will a recovery vehicle. Don’t delay your trip, make sure you take your wheel nut key and keep it safe.
CHECK YOUR TYRE PRESSURES - Did you know that under inflated tyres are a major cause of blowouts and under inflated tyres can affect your braking distances? This is why you must check your tyre pressure. Ideally, you should do this each month but it is absolutely vital before a long journey. Check your vehicle dashboard or handbook for the right pressures or pop in and see us and make sure it is done right for you.
CHECK YOUR TYRE TREAD - Did you know that you can test your tyre tread is safe and above the legal requirement by merely using a 20p piece? Place the 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. Then, when you insert it if you cannot see the outer band of the coin you know your tread is legal - but, if you can see the outer raised border of the coin then your tyres may be illegal so in this case, you should pop to see us and get them checked immediately. Do remember that you need to check at least three locations around each tyre as you will usually find the outer edges get more worn than the inside of the casing.
CHECK YOUR BRAKES - We all know how vital our brakes are so if you feel anything about your brakes is off you need to get them checked by a professional garage, like us as soon as possible.
CHECK YOUR AIR CONDITIONING - The last thing you want in the summer is a steaming hot car. Combine this with grumpy bored kids and you have a road trip disaster! If you haven’t used your air conditioning for a while, test it before you go as it is not unusual for the air con system to develop a fault. All air conditioning units need a recharge after time and some also need repair. We offer quick, low-cost air conditioning servicing, repairs and recharges so pop in and see us and we will take a look.
CHECK YOUR FUEL - Our final check, well a bit of advice really, is to fill up your fuel tank the day before. When your journey starts, your holiday begins so you do not want any delays waiting around in busy, holiday season petrol stations. This way you will save money as motorway fuel stations will often charge a higher price per litre than your local supermarket petrol station. Be prepared and start your holiday relaxed - fill up before your trip!
NEED HELP? - WE DO SUMMER CHECKS
So now you have our top 10 checks, go and do some inspecting! However, if you want to make sure everything is safe then why not call us on 01691 622421 or pop in. Being a specialist service garage we can quickly inspect your vehicle and let you know if anything needs sorting before your trip! .
Have a safe and happy holiday!
RICHARDS' AUTO SERVICES 01691 622421