We all deserve a break from reality now and again. One of the best ways to have break is to drive to your holiday destination with the family on board.
Before setting off, a few car checks won’t go a miss just to make sure your ride is prepared for the journey ahead.
Car Checklist
- Coolant Level
Not only does the coolant regulate and protect your engine in winter, it also eliminates excessive heat which can prevent breakdowns. How to check your coolant level? Open the bonnet to see if it is between the min and max markings shown on the coolant tank. If more coolant is required check your vehicle handbook to identify the correct coolant.
- Oil level
Oil lubricates, cools and cleanses the mechanisms within the engine so your vehicle runs efficiently. This process reduces the risk of breakdowns as well as the engine seizing up. How to check your oil level? Open the bonnet, remove the dipstick, wipe it with a clean cloth, place it back in and take it back out to check the oil is between the min and max markings. If in need of a top up refer to your vehicle handbook so the correct oil is used.
- Windscreen
Maximise your safety and keep your windscreen free of dirt and smudgy areas. Top up your tank before your escape – Locate the screen wash container under the bonnet and fill it up to the required markings. Screen wash contains coolant so the pipes don’t freeze… Check your blades for any splits which could affect the wipers from clearing excess water or grime.
- Lights
What needs to be checked? Headlights, brake lights, the reverse light, signal indicators and internal lights. A holiday buddy may be useful here! Switch on all the appropriate lights whilst another person walks around to give you the thumbs up. Increase your visibility on the way to your vacay hotspot! If lights are out so is your safety and your bulbs will need replacing?
- Tyre pressure and tread depth
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure and tread depth is essential on any road trip. It can minimise the implication of losing vehicle control as well as ensuring you drive with the legal tread depth. (The legal tread depth is 1.6mm around the circumference of the tyre across the central 3 quarters) Check your vehicle handbook for the recommended tyre pressure including the spare. A tip for tread depth is to use a 20p coin by inserting into the groove of your tyre, if it slots in, your tread depth gets the green card from us.
- Air con
Extensive travelling can be heat’n exhausting within the car, and while opening the windows appear to be the answer, a sufficient flow of cool air conditioning is another option. High-speed road trips can blow a gust of air inside your vehicle when the windows are open, especially on the motorway. Air conditioning is controlled by you!
Express Fit Autocentres services
At Express Fit Autocentres, we offer a range of free services to check the condition of your vehicle so driving to your holiday destination is a safer cruise.
