IMPORTANT VEHICLE CHECKLIST FOR THE SEASON.
As the Christmas and new year celebration approaches,everyone knows that this is the period when you have the highest level of road trips. A lot of families and individuals have already started planning their holiday trips, as many will be embarking on a long distance trips to their home towns for the celebrations or going for various shopping and parties . For every motorists that are relying on their own cars to help them achieve their various road trips, there are some extra important things to include in your plans for the trips. These are pertaining to keeping your car in good order and making it safe and capable to take you and your families for the festive season.
HERE ARE THE TIPS FOR A SAFE AND COMFORTABLE ROAD TRIPS.
1. ENGINE OIL AND FILTER. Firstly ensure that your vehicle's engine has recently been serviced, the engine oil and filter should be changed. it should not be more than a a week or two before you start travelling with your car.
2. ENGINE COOLANT. It is important that you use a quality engine coolant fluid and not just ordinary water. Also check your hoses and the radiator for any leakages, and get it fixed. Also make sure the the coolant is at the right level, not low and not too much, it shouldn't exceed the minimum and maximum levels.
3. BRAKE PADS AND FLUID. One of the most important things to ensure road safety is a good brake system. Ensure that your brake pads are not worn out, it's advisable to have them changed before you start the road trips. Also check your brake fluid level and make sure it's not below or above the minimum and maximum levels. If you haven't changed the brake fluid in more than a year, it is advisable that you change it before you begin the holiday trips. The brake fluid easily absorbs water from the surroundings, and this can lead to reduced boiling point and compression of water. This may result to poor brake system, and it's not advisable to travel in such condition.
4. SUSPENSION PARTS. To help avoid unexpected suspension problems during the celebration periods, it is advisable to have your suspension parts check even if you feel it's still ok, some parts maybe faulty and not give signs until it gets damaged on the road. To avoid any embarrassment or disappointment, you should check all suspension parts and ensure they're all ok. The suspension parts includes the ball joints, stabiliser bushings and linkages, shork absorbers, arm bushings, etc.
5. TYRES. Another important thing to check is your tyres conditions, ensure that it is not worn-out and don't drive on an under-inflated tyre. Ensure that they are guaged to the manufacturers prescription. An under-inflated tyre will reduce your fuel economy, causing you to spend more on fuel. This is not just for the four tyres on the wheel, the extra tyre is included.
Read about Tyre care and maintenance
Read about Tyre care and maintenance
6. AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. This is important for your comfort and your car’s fuel economy.
This season in our country is when we usually have a harsh weather conditions especially in some parts of the country which you maybe located or travelling to. It's important that your A/C is working in good conditions. When you travel with a bad A/C, you may want your windows open for cool air, but this causes aerodynamic drag and more fuel is being consumed. Also you may be at risk of breathing in dusty air on the road.
7. WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND FLUID. You should have your windshield wiper checked and ensure that they are OK, the blades should be changed if they are worn-out and the wiper fluid should be filled up with the appopriate fluid. This will help you have clearer view on the road.
8. LIGHTS AND POINTERS. The head lights help you see the road at night, and the pointers help other road users to know where you're turning to also for caution. You should have your lights inspected and and ensure that they are all working fine.
9. EMERGENCY KIT. The emergency kit comprises mainly of basic tools, first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cable, Caution triangle, etc, the emergency kit is important to help you handle some minor challenges faced on the road.
10. MAKE YOURSELF AND YOUR CAR LEGAL. A legal driver is the one with a drivers license, and a legal car is the car that has all necessary documents and update documents .being legal will help avoid issues with the road safety officials when they stop you for inspection.
All of these tips if carefully considered can help you have this festive season free of any car issues. So I advice that you put them into consideration and follow them. You may have to visit your mechanic's workshop or a car care centre to help you do a general check on your car to ensure that all is right and in good order capable of any road trip.
With these tips listed, I wish all safe to and fro for all your trips in this Christmas and new year season.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR IN ADVANCE from AUTOMATENAIJA
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