Car maintenance: what to do before the holidays
When the summer season arrives, vacationers travel kilometers of roads in search of tranquility and family leisure. Is that what you are planning?
Remember that vacations are short and precious; mechanical trouble shouldn't be a part of your plans. In order to put the odds in your favor, we've put together a simple list of some essential pre-trip auto maintenance items.
Is your vehicle ready?
You've seen the image of the minivan stowed away on the shoulder, the hood open, the engine smoldering while the kids cry… You sure don't want that to be yours. With the help of a mechanic or simply with your personal knowledge, you can perform a basic mechanical check on your vehicle.
The level and density of the coolant
Do the characteristics of the coolant match the manufacturer's specifications? Is the thermostat functional? Overheating can quickly deprive you of your vehicle for your entire vacation! For more information, see the article Engine coolant on linternaute.com.
The quality of the oil in your engine
Since you will be driving a lot more mileage than your commute, motor oil will degrade faster than usual. To find out which type of motor oil to choose, see the article Mineral oil or synthetic oil? on lapresse.ca.
The condition of the tires
Check the depth of the tire grooves and the pressure at all four corners (no, a kick is not enough!). A very small, slow leak can compromise the integrity of the tire, and can also cause abnormal fuel consumption. Want to understand how to calculate tire wear? Autonet.ca suggests this very interesting article: How to read tire wear?
The efficiency of the braking system
Heavy traffic on the main roads always goes hand in hand with increased use of the brakes. Remember to check the condition of your brake pad linings.
The proper functioning of 12 V sockets and power points
Inside your vehicle, you will need to charge your phone, plug in your cooler, or if you get lost, use your GPS device. Take the time to test the 12 V outlets and power points in the passenger compartment, and bring a few spare fuses in case your devices get too much "juice"!
Auto maintenance also includes the trailer!
The interior of your tent trailer must be functional for everything to be good at the campsite. And its mechanical condition is essential for it to reach its destination. Like the tires on your vehicle, those on your trailer need to be in good condition and maintained at the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. An improperly inflated tire can quickly heat up and cause a puncture.
In addition, your vehicle must be equipped with a mechanism that will transmit electrical signals to the trailer. Your old boat trailer that has been hibernating all winter may have seized brakes and wires eaten by critters. Be sure to inspect and test each electrical component before you hit the road.
The last details
Is your first aid kit well stocked and your washer fluid reservoir full? You are ready to go! One last thing: be patient on the road, you are on vacation after all!
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Car maintenance: what to do before the holidays
When the summer season arrives, vacationers travel kilometers of roads in search of tranquility and family leisure. Is that what you are planning?
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