Traveling is always a reason for joy and fun. However, if we do it by car and we do not want it to become a nightmare, we must take several aspects into account. Above all because the car is a machine which, if not taken care of, can be a source of problems. And not only that, it can also be dangerous and expensive depending on the situation. Hence To avoid breakdowns it is necessary to have it well maintained...
For this reason, if we are going to take a trip, the best thing we can do is waste five minutes check what state it is in. A priori it may seem trivial but it is not, since at a glance we can discover possible faults that would mean a good peak for our portfolio or physical integrity. Hence to avoid breakdowns let's list the 10 points, plus an extra, to review before leaving on a trip.
It is easy to avoid breakdowns: Keep your car up to date like this…
1. Oil level
Oil is the blood of the engine and therefore it has to be in good condition. To check the level, the manufacturers provide us with a rod which in the lower area has two lines or dots to indicate the maximum and minimum. To carry out the measurement, it must always be done with the engine cold and with the vehicle parked in a place that is as level as possible.
If the measurement is above the maximum level, in theory, nothing should happen, but if it is below the minimum, it is advisable to prime with the same type of oil that the circuit has. To avoid breakdowns, you can check its level once a month by following the procedure described.
2. Antifreeze
If oil is the blood of the engine, the antifreeze is responsible for the engine does not get excessive temperature that causes you to overheat. To check its level, it is not necessary to open the cap of the translucent expansion vessel, it is enough to see that the liquid is between the maximum and minimum levels that are drawn on the vessel itself. If you suspect that there may be a leak, it is best to use a fluorescent yellow liquid that, if it falls somewhere, leaves a mark and stands out a lot.
3. Wiper
Windshield washer fluid does not have a vital function for the car mechanics, but it does have a vital function for the driver. That is, with him we help each other to clean the window in case it gets dirty with dust or mud. Therefore, we must check that the liquid is at the maximum level of the container glass. Also, if we want to fill it from time to time, nothing happens because it is at its maximum. Finally, It doesn't hurt to check the brushes either. Well, in winter the rubber contracts and in summer they expand, making them lose effectiveness in sweeping and can scratch the moon.
4. Brake fluid
To check the brake fluid there are two systems that, as a recommendation, we can use at the same time. This way we can avoid major breakdowns, because if one fails, we can rely on the other.
- First, just depress the brake pedal fully and see if the level of the expansion vessel drops. In this way it is verified that the system maintains its pressure.
- Check the expansion tank and check that the liquid is between the maximum and minimum levels that are carved on the plastic of the container.
5 Drums
The battery is one of the elements that usually gives the most problems., although they are not expensive to solve because it is enough to change it. However, changes in temperature (especially the heat of summer) can cause the cells to communicate and stop working. Also, to avoid breakdowns, it is important that the terminals are clean (no rust or sulfate symptoms) and, in addition, that it does not have leaks. If so, it is necessary to change it for a new one to avoid any surprises.
6. lights
Checking the status of the lights is necessary, even if you are going to drive during the day because we may need them at any time. Amen to what They are essential when driving at night., because a low vision can be the cause of an accident. In addition, this revision not only involves the short and long ones, but also the turn signals, brake, reverse gear and the front fog lamps (if our vehicle has them) and the rear one (mandatory).
To do this, ask someone you know for help and while you turn them on, they will indicate if any fail or if they are correct.
7. Spark plugs, wires and filters
In the past, gasoline cars had the spark plugs very visible, something that does not happen today. However, it is important to know that if they are dirty there may be problems at startup and even increase oil consumption. On the other hand, it is interesting to take a look at the cables, in case any of them were damaged or some undesirable animal (see a mouse) could have gnawed on them. As for the filters, the manufacturer indicates when they should be changed and the most sensible thing to do is to do it in each of the official reviews.
8. Sleeves and clamps
It is advisable to avoid breakdowns, that, while we are checking the rest of the elements that are in the engine compartment, we take a look at the condition of sleeves and clamps. If they are cracked or bad, they can cause leaks that, taken to the extreme, would generate costly breakdowns.
9. Suspension, ignition and injection
If we notice strange noises, squealing of some parts or excessive swinging of the suspension (it looks like a boat) it is because the suspension shows symptoms of exhaustion. On the other hand, if it takes time to start, it is likely that the injection or starting system is faulty.
10. Tires
Tires are a very important element in the vehicle because they are the ones that "stick" the car to the ground. Hence, we have to control their state as the balanced one to verify that the wear is homogeneous and that, in addition, they do not have deformations, cuts or perforations.
To check wear the tire usually has some indicators on the tread which measure 3 mm. If the wear of the rubber has reached them, it is advisable to change them. In case you do not have this indicator, we can use a 1 euro coin and if you see the silver part it is time to go to the workshop to put new ones.
If the tires are not well balanced, it is normal that we notice noises, bounces or that the steering wheel vibrates at medium-high speed. This may be because the alignment dimensions are not correct or, furthermore, that the pressure is insufficient or is above what is recommended by the manufacturer. Therefore, it is advisable to check the pressure with a manometer and adjust it to what the manufacturer indicates. Normally this information appears on the B-pillar of the car and, very very important, this operation is done with the wheels cold. That is, before taking a trip, however short it may be.
11. Auxiliary elements
Finally, a bonus. It is important, very important, that we check that we have in the car and that it is in perfect state of use: the spare wheel (check the pressure and drawing), the reflective vest, cat, key as well as the light signal V16 and emergency triangles.
Conclusion…
If you comply with this expanded decalogue, it is most likely that your trip will be successful, since you will have avoided breakdowns. And the most important thing of all is that you enjoyed it as it deserves...