Embarking on a holiday without servicing your vehicle is asking for trouble, especially if you are about to tow a caravan or trailer.
What you may think is your reliable transport could be your ultimate holiday road nightmare costing you time, money and disappointment.
Just changing the oil and a cursory look-see is not a proper service.
You need to know what is going on mechanically. Your check list should include, radiator, coolant, air intake element, spark plugs, air-conditioning, power steering, oil, brake fluid, pads and rotors, clutch, transmission, differential/CV joints, shock absorbers, exhaust system, wheel alignment, tyres, lights and roadside emergency equipment.
A tune up, new spark plugs and an oil change with a teflon additive will protect your engine better than ever. Teflon has the ability of coating cylinder and valve train wear with teflon micro-spheres protecting and reducing friction. Inspect your power steering oil level, hoses and links and top up with transmission oil if necessary.
Look for tell-tale leaks from your coolant hoses and radiator – as hoses get older they become softer and may split on a long hot drive. If they do show any deterioration, replace them and fill up the coolant reservoir with the factory recommended coolant….At the same time, it’s also a good idea to re-gas your air-conditioner so it is in optimum working order.
Change your air filter element, the easier your engine breathes, the cooler it runs and the more fuel efficient it becomes – A performance air filter provides a greater volume of air flow allowing for a more thorough fuel burn.
An octane additive in your petrol during the summer months 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 or 5 dot (means it can run hotter without loosing its properties) brake fluid will help with heavy braking but don’t ride your brakes downhill, shift to a lower gear.
Low brake pads should be changed with the recommended type or hunt around for alternative pad material suitable for your driving style. If your disc rotors are worn then replace them. Performance type slotted and drilled discs are expensive but effective in dissipating heat, gas and running cooler during hard or repetitive braking.
Shuddering clutches, noisy transmissions, whining differentials and noisy front wheel drive constant velocity (CV) joints should be inspected and adjusted or repaired.
Shock absorbers tend to deteriorate gradually but go un-noticed because one’s driving style unconsciously compensates. In many cases drivers lend their vehicles to towing without upgrading the suspension to suit the tow weight requirements. To be on the safe side arrange for an inspection and advice through a suspension specialist or dealer.
The correct wheel alignment 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 underinflated can lead to dangerous tread separation and blowouts. Make sure your spare tyre is properly inflated and in good condition as well. The recommended tyre pressure is listed on the factory tyre sticker found inside the fuel flap, front door, or the glove-box.
Exhaust systems can be tested for leaks and 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, seatbelts, parcel nets and other safety devices should also be maintained.
There are items you should carry in your boot that will make a difference should an emergency arise on the road: A litre of engine oil, automatic transmission and power steering oil, brake 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 light/headlight globes and a couple of containers of instant tyre repair – very handy as it repairs small punctures and inflates the tyre without the effort of changing the wheel!
Finally don’t forget your digital navigator, street directory or touring map. Now you are ready to travel – safe driving and happy holidays everyone!