It is amazing on how many people neglect their cars during the year only to wake up late November or early December to find out their rides need a much required service before the Christmas holiday period kicks in.
Going on a road trip vacation without adequately servicing your vehicle is asking for trouble, especially if you are towing a caravan or trailer. What has been your reliable form of transport could turn out to be your going away nightmare, costing you time and money – not to mention a huge disappointment. The inconvenience of a holiday breakdown can be avoided through a safety check costing a few dollars more at your local service centre.
Just changing the oil and topping the ‘water’ is not what constitutes a proper service, you need to know that mechanically the car is in shipshape condition to survive the festive season’s driving. A good mechanic worth his salt would check the radiator and coolant level , air intake element, spark plugs, air-conditioning, power steering and fluid, PCV valve and vacuum hose, brake fluid, pads and rotors, clutch, automatic transmission, differential / CV joints, shock absorbers, exhaust system, wheel alignment /balance, tyres, lights, wiper-blades, water reservoir and roadside emergency equipment.
At the same time, it’s also a good idea to re-gas your air-conditioner so it is in optimum working order for the long hot summer. A tune up, new spark plugs and an oil change with a Teflon based additive will protect your engine better than ever and has the ability of coating cylinder and valve train surfaces with Teflon nano-spheres reducing friction and protecting engine parts. As coolant hoses get older they become softer and may split or crack on a long hot drive.
If they indicate any excessive spongy deterioration, replace them sooner rather than later before they break and while you are at it, top-up the coolant reservoir with the manufacturer’s recommended coolant, not water. Replace your air filter element, the easier your engine breathes, the cooler it runs and the more fuel efficient it becomes. A sports performance air filter provides a greater volume of air flow allowing for a more economical fuel burn, provided you don’t use anything lower than the manufacturer’s recommended fuel rating for your car.
An after-market octane additive in your petrol during the summer months further assists in eliminating any hot weather pre-ignition pinging and delivers increased power especially when towing. Change your brake fluid if it hasn’t been changed for more than a year. Fresh 4 dot brake fluid (the higher the dot value the more heat resistant the fluid) will benefit your braking, but don’t ride your brakes downhill, shift to a lower gear even in an automatic transmission vehicle. Low brake pads should be replaced with the recommended type or hunt around for alternative pad material more suitable for your driving style.
If your disc rotors are warped, have them machined, if worn then change them- Performance type slotted and drilled discs are expensive but effective in dissipating heat / gas and have a higher brake fade tolerance during hard or repetitive braking. Shuddering clutches, noisy transmissions, vibrating universal joints, whining differentials, noisy transfer cases and clunking front wheel drive constant velocity (CV) joints, seals, boots and rubbers should be inspected, serviced or repaired immediately.
Shock absorbers tend to deteriorate gradually but go unnoticed because one’s driving style over time unconsciously compensates. In many cases drivers lend their vehicles to towing without upgrading the suspension to suit the tow weight and safety requirements. To be on the safe side if you are about to tow for the first time, arrange for an inspection and advice from a suspension specialist or factory dealer. The correct wheel alignment (front and rear) and tyre pressures are important for tracking stability and reducing tyre wear.
Highway or towing speed tyre pressures should be higher than normal city driving. Running your tyres under inflated can lead to dangerous tread separation and blowouts. Make sure your spare tyre is properly inflated and in good condition. The recommended tyre pressure is listed on the factory tyre decal found inside the fuel flap, front door, or inside the glove-box lid. Exhaust systems should be tested for leaks and repaired or replaced. The worse case scenario is to have carbon monoxide fumes seeping into the cabin causing drowsiness and resulting in a fatal collision.
Lights, indicators, mirrors, seat belts, parcel nets and other safety devices should also be accounted for and maintained. There are items to carry in your boot that will make a difference should an emergency arise road-side: A litre of engine oil, automatic transmission and power steering oil, brake/clutch fluid, 4 litres of premixed coolant, LED torch, assorted screwdrivers, pliers, a 1 to 2 kg fire extinguisher, quality ‘gaffa’ tape, plastic ties, a reflective safety triangle, first aid kit, assorted indicator light / headlight globes and at least one container of instant tyre repair, very handy as it repairs small punctures and inflates the tyre allowing you to continue your journey to the nearest repair shop without the effort of changing the wheel!
While on holidays always carry a spare car key on your person at all times. You don’t want to be locked out of your ride in the middle of nowhere – locksmiths can cost a fortune. Finally don’t forget your GPS navigator, street directory or touring map at home. Remember, when behind the wheel: relax, think, concentrate and above all exercise patience. Safe driving and happy holidays everyone!