What to check before setting off on a trip this summer

We know you are going to use the car more than you do the rest of the year. You may not use it to commute, but you will probably drive more to the beach, spend your holidays in your hometown, or travel to another city to visit it. But before doing all that, you should check some parts of your vehicle so you don’t get any nasty surprises.

Before starting the journey that will take you to your holiday destination, don’t forget that there are parts of the car that need your attention and that can turn a leisure trip into a real ordeal. Let’s go through them and get them in order so that the holiday is just a time for relaxation and fun.

– Oil level: We seem to forget about it far too often. Sometimes we only check it when the time for an oil change is approaching. But small leaks can exist that lower the level and cause the engine to run badly and give us a scare. Before departing, it is best to make sure it is between the maximum and minimum marks.

– Wiper fluid and antifreeze: The first is essential, and the reservoir should always be kept full. Good visibility in case of rain or wind that dirties the windscreen may depend on it. The second should also be kept at a sufficient level, even though we don’t expect any frost in summer.

– Lights: Keeping the lights in good condition is also very important. Check that all the bulbs work and that they emit enough light. If there is a problem with the intensity of the headlights, visibility can be lost. If they are badly scratched, it is advisable to polish them, a simple job that can be done at home and takes no more than half an hour per headlight.

– Brake fluid: Without it we cannot brake, and we all know what that can mean. Making sure this reservoir has the right level and that there are no leaks is extremely important to have the safety needed to drive without problems.

– Tyres: We will never tire of stressing how important tyres are. They are what connects the car to the road, and if they fail, everything fails. It is vital that the tread grooves have adequate depth to guarantee grip and that the tyres are not worn. If one of them bursts while driving, you can lose control of the car and get a serious fright.

– Battery: It is also worth knowing the battery level. It is one of the easiest problems to solve and would not affect the car until you tried to start it, but it is better to spare yourself the bad moment of turning the key and nothing happening.

– Suspension, ignition and injection: A check of these components, especially if you have already noticed something unusual, can help you discover a minor problem that could become a serious one if not dealt with in time.

– Belts: Nobody thinks about belts, but they are the cause of a good number of serious engine failures. I speak from personal experience. Follow the intervals recommended by the manufacturer, because if the timing belt breaks the engine can suffer a very complex and costly fault to repair. Make sure it is in good condition and within the recommended service period, because it can give you a real scare.

Following these tips, you should not have any problems with the car. These are simple checks that can help guarantee the condition of the car and spare you scares and above all money, should a breakdown be caused by one of these elements. And when driving, remember: safe driving is the best way to enjoy a good holiday. Enjoy the trip!