It’s the time of year when many of us start thinking about going on holiday to get away from the daily grind and have time to unwind. But if your car breaks down halfway there it can become an incredibly stressful nightmare.
So if you are hitting the road to reach your holiday destination it’s vital to check your car first and make sure everything is in tip top shape before the tyres touch the tarmac. Here is our quick checklist for what to look for before you head off on holiday:
1. Check the fluids
Some of the fluids need to be changed depending on the mileage so think about how many miles you have done since the last time and then you can decide which might need replacing before you head off.
Engine oil should be changed regularly so check your car’s service manual to find the oil change interval for your car. If you’ve had it changed already within that range your car should be fine, if not, then you should book it in for an oil change before you head off on your travels.
Radiator fluid is essential as cars produce heat and if your fluid levels are too low you could face an overheating car while on your travels – make sure it’s topped up before you hit the road.
If your brakes feel spongy you might need a top up of your brake fluid so be sure to book your car in to have this checked out before your road trip begins. The last thing you want is a brake failure.
2. Check the tyres
Make sure your tyres are in top condition before you leave – it’s important they have adequate tread for the whole journey and make sure they are all inflated correctly. Tyres which are too low pressure or too high pressure can be dangerous and make it harder to control the car.
Low pressure will result in your car using up more fuel, while high pressure could cause blowouts. If you are driving really long distance you might need to replace the tyres before you go, particularly if they are nearing the tread limit.
3. Make sure the brakes work
It goes without saying but you need your brakes to be in good working order before going anywhere, so make sure your brake pads are in good condition first. These pads wear away over time so make sure they are not worn low before you go.
4. Replace the air filter and check the air con
Air filters can become clogged with dust and dirt and eventually stop working effectively which can have an effect on the way the engine works and how much fuel is used up so it’s worth getting this changed before a long trip.
With the recent very hot weather, is your Air Con fully working? If in doubt, get it checked out by a specialist.
5. Check the lights work
Make sure all the lights are working properly and take some spare bulbs in the car with you just in case you have any light bulb problems while on route. Don’t forget to check the headlights, indicators and brake lights.
By carrying out simple and routine checks to ensure every element of your car is in great working order before you go, you could save yourself expensive repairs and holiday heartache further down the road.