Pre-holiday
Checks |
Richard Oliver |
How To Get Your 4WD
In Shape For The Summer Holidays
If you're planning a motoring
holiday, you should carry out some routine checking and servicing on your
vehicle as part of your planning.
If it's a summer holiday, you
should be aware that dry winters can cause deterioration in your vehicle's
"rubbers" which could lead to malfunctions when exposed to summer heat and
rain. So if your vehicle's wipers aren't wiping cleanly, replace the rubber
blades. (and while you're at it, check the operation and aim of the tiny
windscreen water jets - they can be adjusted by using a pin).
You should also examine tyres
for damage - particularly cracks or cuts on the sidewalls - and make sure
they will have at least two millimeters of tread (about the thickness of
a match). Replace any damaged or excessively worn tyres. Summer rain and
worn tyres are a recipe for potential disaster!
While you're doing this, check
your tyres for uneven wear (especially at the front, which could indicate
that the wheel alignment needs adjustment). If the tyres are good but there
is still a steering problem, get a mechanic to check the steering box and
front end assembly.
Exhaust and
Brakes
One of the most forgotten
items in a safety check is the exhaust system. Check it from the manifold
(engine outlet) to the tail pipe for leaks which (in most cases) will be
audible.
If in doubt, have it checked
by a competent mechanic. Leaks could lead to lethal carbon monoxide seeping
into the passenger compartment, and even a small amount could cause drowsiness
and lead to an accident.
Your car’s braking system
also needs year-round vigilance, but particularly during the summer holiday
period. 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.
Have your service mechanic
rectify any problems immediately. Take particular note of sponginess, excessive
free travel or any other abnormality such as shuddering felt when braking
(though remember the latter is a normal characteristic of anti-lock braking
systems under emergency stopping).
Servicing and
Air-Conditioning
Put your car in good condition
for summer holiday and day trips by having it serviced and tuned. You'll
be rewarded with better fuel economy, performance and reliability.
Now is a good time for servicing
air conditioning units. To keep the unit in good order it should be operated
for about 10 minutes each week- summer and winter.
Because of changes to environmental
regulations, supplies of the refrigerant gas you last used may be hard to
come by. So if your air conditioner is in need a major overhaul, we suggest
that you look at having the unit updated to accommodate the new R134a gas.
The engine oil should be changed
at regular kilometre or time intervals as recommended by the vehicle manufacture.
If it has not been changed during winter, then the start of summer is a good
time to do so. Ensure the oil filter is changed at the same time.
By having faults rectified
you will be able to set off on holidays knowing that you have a much better
chance of avoiding a breakdown a long way from home.
Cool Engine, Good
Engine
Summer temperatures, combined
with an inefficient car engine cooling system, can result in an expensive
damage repair bill.
Often a vehicle can escape
overheating problems in the cooler months (especially when undertaking short
trips). But come summer, failure to carry out basic maintenance could lead
quickly to overheating and major expense.
We suggest that now is the
time for the cooling system to be checked and maintenance carried out.
A clogged or otherwise inefficient
radiator will inevitably fail on a hot day or a longer-than-usual trip during
summer. And a major engine overheat can cause thousands of dollars in damage
to many late model vehicles.
Draining and flushing the cooling
system will help keep it free from corrosion and sediment, but the job should
be left to a competent mechanic.
If flushing the radiator yourself,
bear in mind that it is an offence to permit waste coolant/inhibitor to flow
into gutters or waterways. It must be collected and disposed of at a recycling
centre or your service station.
For a pre holiday check call
us now on 07 3252 4039 |