Beach towel, beer and bathers aren’t the only things to worry about before heading off on your summer holiday. Your car will need some attention first.
RACQ, Holden and road safety and driver education organization Murcotts Driving Excellence have contributed some tips for making the driving holiday a little safer and cheaper.
From wiper blades to fuel savings, they have covered all the bases.
RACQ technical research officer Russell Manning said motorists needed to remember that a lot of mechanics took long breaks over the Christmas/New Year period, so finding a workshop that could carry out unforeseen breakdown repairs could be a problem.
“By having faults rectified, you’ll be able to set off on holidays knowing you have a much better chance of avoiding a breakdown a long way from home,” he said.
“But don’t leave having your car checked and repaired until the last minute, as workshops generally get busier at this time of year.”
RACQ vehicle inspectors examine a car’s mechanicals thoroughly and provide a written report on faults and developing faults, he said.
After Queensland’s dry winter the intense heat and possible rains of summer could expose deterioration at various points on a vehicle, which could lead to malfunctions.
Manning said even small things such as the wiper blades could need attention.
“If a vehicle’s wipers are not wiping cleanly, the blades may need to be replaced,” Manning said.
Changing your wiper blades is one of the services Super cheap Auto is providing for customers until the end of January, so you have no excuses.
“It’s also a good idea to check the operation and aim of the tiny windscreen water jets. Have your mechanic re-aim them if necessary.”
TYRES
TYRES, especially the front ones, need to be checked for uneven wear. Uneven wear could indicate the wheel alignment needs adjustment or that the steering or suspension is worn or damaged, Manning said.
They should have at least two millimeters of tread; about the thickness of a match. Damaged or excessively worn tyres should be replaced.
Holden and Murcotts claim proper tyre inflation can also help fuel economy.
Under-inflated tyres create rolling resistance and can cause road cars to use more fuel. Under-inflation is also a leading cause of tyre failures and blowouts. Checking the air pressure of your tyres (including the spare) reduces fuel consumption, increases the tyre life and improves safety.
Tyre pressure should be checked when tyres are cold, having been stationary for more than three hours.
Always use a tyre pressure gauge to check the tyres; simply looking at them is not sufficient.
Holden also suggests getting a wheel alignment. Incorrect alignment makes the wheels drag, which increases fuel consumption and causes uneven and premature tyre wear.
EXHAUST
MANNING said one of the most forgotten items in a safety check was the exhaust system.
“The system should be checked from the manifold (engine outlet) to the tail pipe for leaks. In most cases leaks will be audible but, if in doubt, have the system checked by a competent mechanic,” he said.
“Leaks can lead to lethal carbon monoxide seeping into the passenger compartment, and even a small amount could cause drowsiness and lead to an accident.”
BRAKES
MOTORISTS should check brake fluid levels regularly and keep a close watch for tell-tale fluid leaks from brake cylinders, lines and hoses on such places as the inside walls of tyres or on the garage floor. “Drivers should take particular note of sponginess, excessive free travel or abnormal noises or shuddering when braking, and seek a professional assessment where necessary,” he said.
OVERHEATING
ENGINE overheating was another summer motoring hassle that could be avoided with proper maintenance.
“Around town on short trips the radiator may appear to be working just fine. But once out on the highway, low coolant levels or other cooling system problems could soon expose a car’s engine to operating temperatures it just can’t handle,” Manning said.
“It’s important you check the cooling system regularly. But it’s not just a simple matter of adding water to the radiator. Motorists in doubt about how to assess and maintain their car’s cooling system should have the experts check it over before they set off on a motoring trip.”
Having air conditioning systems checked and serviced if necessary after their limited winter use could help ensure motorists and their passengers traveled more comfortably.
FRESH AIR
A DIRTY air filter can decrease fuel economy. Check your owner’s manual for information about when to change your filter. In addition, the air filter helps protect the inside of the engine from impurities.
ECONOMY
ACCELERATE gently and avoid rapid starts. Sudden bursts of speed, full throttle acceleration and hard braking are certain fuel wasters. Drive the vehicle at a steady speed.
If driving a manual transmission vehicle, it is desirable to reach top gear as soon as possible, but under no circumstances should you force the engine to labor in top gear.
The engine runs most efficiently between around 1500 and 2500rpm and even lower in diesels. To maintain these low revs you should change up through the gears as soon as practical and before the revs reach 2500rpm.
Automatic transmissions will shift up faster if you ease back slightly on the accelerator once the car gathers momentum.
PACKING
PACKING the vehicle sensibly and not carrying excessive gear on roof-racks will significantly reduce fuel consumption, particularly at high speed on freeways/highways.
Loading the vehicle changes the mass distribution and therefore the handling of the vehicle. After loading, be sure to take time to become familiar with the feel of the vehicle.
Restrain loose items. Whenever possible, stow articles in the luggage compartment.
Perhaps consider, if driving a wagon, fitting a cargo barrier to avoid loose objects entering the cabin. Don’t overload the vehicle. Check load capacity of car.
LIGHTS
ENSURE there are no vehicle warning and reminder indicator lights on. Properly aimed headlamps are a must for optimal visibility.
BATTERIES
WEAK batteries can lead to breakdowns, possibly at the worst time and place. Have it tested by an expert.
FLUIDS
CHANGE the oil and filter at recommended intervals to minimize engine wear and reduce the possibility of internal damage. Check coolant, oil, power steering, transmission, brake fluid, even washer solvent.