Easter travel

With the Easter holidays approaching and many families expected to head off on spring getaways a study has found a worrying number are risking a breakdown or accident by failing to carry out even the simplest maintenance checks. Simple measures such as checking coolant and oil levels and adjusting tyre pressures can make the difference between reaching your destination safely and facing a breakdown or dangerous failure on the road.

Among the important but simple checks you can carry out before setting off are:

Tyre pressure

Having the correct tyre pressure is vital. If the pressure in a tyre is significantly outl, it could cause the tyre to blow out, risking a loss of control or accident. Even before a blowout, low tyre pressure will also shorten a tyre’s lifespan and reduce a vehicle’s performance and fuel economy. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct pressure and check all tyre match that. Also give your tyres a visual inspection for damage or excessive tread wear.

Engine oil

If an engine runs out of oil it can cause severe damage and, in extreme circumstances, cause the engine to cut out completely. If this were to happen while driving, there is a chance of a serious accident. In less extreme cases it could still leave you with a massive repair bil.  Check your oil levels by using the dipstick in the engine. Make sure the engine is cool and wipe the dipstick with a cloth or tissue before starting. Put the dipstick back in its tube then remove and check the oil is between the minimum and maximum marks. Some modern cars have an electronic sensor rather than a dipstick – refer to your manual on how to use this.

Engine coolant

Failing to supply a vehicle with coolant causes the engine to overheat, which could lead to costly damage. To check your level of coolant, simply find the compartment in the vehicle engine (there will be a diagram in your manual) and see if the coolant fluid is below the minimum marker. Engine coolant can be bought pre-mixed with water and antifreeze or concentrated, which means it needs to be diluted.

Headlights, brake lights and indicators

Before setting out on a long trip, it’s essential to check all of the vehicle’s lights and indicators are working properly. If drivers set off with a dim or completely broken light, it could not only increase the risk of an accident, but could also lead to an expensive fine from the police. Be sure to visually check all lights and indicators are working, and replace any bulbs that are dim or have blown completely.

Screen wash

A lot of drivers won’t notice their screen wash container is empty until they need it. If this happens on the road it could be dangerous as it will be difficult to see out of the windscreen if dirty. This can be easily checked by looking at the container in the engine, which has a minimum and maximum marker. Like coolant, you can buy screen wash pre-mixed or undiluted from any motor accessory retailer and many large supermarkets.

All these may seem a bit too much as you also have packing to do, finances to keep up with, destinations to plan and all. Well, why go through the hustle when you can have a comprehensice check up by the experts! Visit Autoxpress today at Ridgeways Mall for the loving your car needs and it sure will love you right back.

Happy travels!