Car problems can be expensive, especially when planning a summer holiday road trip. Here are some tips for avoiding car trouble this summer.
Check Your Battery
Ensure your battery has enough power to start your engine; this is even more important if you don’t regularly drive it.
The most common symptoms you might see if your battery is starting to reach the end of its life include the battery light illuminated on your car dashboard, the engine turning over slowly when starting, and clicking sound when you start and dim lighting.
If you don’t make a lot of long journeys, charging your battery overnight once a month will help prolong its life.
Don’t Wait For The Fuel Light
Be sure to fill up before the dreaded orange light comes on! If you’re driving in an unfamiliar area on a road trip, you’ll never know how far it is until the next service station.
If the fuel needle is low, plan to stop at the next service station when you see one. It’s also an excellent time to stop, revive and survive if you’re on a long drive. It’s recommended you should stop driving at least every 2 hours for a 15-minute break.
Check Your Tyres Regularly
Before going on a summer road trip, check your tyres. Look for any uneven wear and measure the tread depth.
Secondly, make sure your tyres are properly inflated. If you’re unsure, check your vehicle’s recommended tyre pressure. You’ll find this inside the owner’s manual or printed on a sticker that will be attached to the car’s door edge. This chart should tell you the maximum vehicle load, the recommended pressure for cold tyres, and the recommended tyre size for your car.
While focusing on your tyres, it’s also a great idea to ensure your spare tyre is fit for the road; you’ll never know when you might have to use it.
Don’t Ignore Warning Lights
If you notice any warning lights on your dashboard, stop at the nearest service station as soon as possible. It’s not uncommon for cars to develop issues during hot weather, especially when travelling long distances. If you’re travelling long distances, this is even more important – better to stop when you can rather than wait and end up stranded somewhere with no mobile phone reception.
Also, keep an eye out for other signs of trouble, such as low fuel levels, overheating, smoke from the exhaust and engine misfires.
Keep To Your Service Schedule
Ensure your car is serviced on time with all the basics. If unsure, check your owner’s manual for recommended service intervals and make sure you use a licenced mechanic for any work.
In between services, you should also keep an eye on fluid levels such as coolant, oil and water.
Looking for an independent, reputable and reliable mechanic to service your vehicle? Contact the experts at Sutherland Automotive! Book an appointment online today!
