Handy Tips for Driving Holiday

Twelve handy tips to get your car ready for your driving holiday

Brakes: Ensure that the wear on the brake pads/liners is within acceptable limits and check that there is no fluid leakage and the brakes are working perfectly.

Suspension: Load the vehicle and take it for a test drive. Look for any rattles or other harsh sounds especially when the vehicle goes over a bump.

Engine: Get the engine tuned and the timing belt checked for wear. Also get the ignition and fuel supply system checked out. If necessary, replace spark plugs, contact point, condenser, air filter, fuel filter, oil filter and engine oil. Also check the engine foundations, hose pipes and drive belts. And, please get a PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate from the relevant authorities.

Electrlcals: Check the battery, terminals and mounting brackets. Check the headlights and all other lights and ensure that all electrical connections are tight and firmly in place. It is advisable to check the windscreen wipers and washer spray systems too.

Transmission: Check the clutch for wear and slip, and set clutch play. Ensure that the clutch engages and disengages smoothly without any vibration. Shift through all the gears in the box and make sure that changes are smooth.

Tyres / Wheels: Ensure that the tyres have got enough tread and life left in them and that they have no uneven wear or cuts and cracks. Check the wheels and balance and align them. Do not forget the spare wheel and also give it the same tender loving care.

Oils & Lubricants: Change engine oil and filter before a long trip. Check levels and condition of oils in gearbox and differential. Check brake fluid for leaks.

Seat Belts: Make it a point to use them.

Jack & Wheel Spanner: ln case of a puncture, the jack will become the all important tool. Most people tend to ignore it. Before setting out lubricate the jack and check that it works.

Door, Windows & Locks: Check if any doors or the bonnet or dicky lid rattle or or pop open if the vehicle hits a bump at speed. Service and align if necessary. All locks need to be checked and the window winders serviced if required.

Service: Lubricate and grease where necessary and also apply a coat of wax polish to protect the paint.

Tool Kit & Spares: Despite the best preparations breakdowns can occur. You should carry a reasonably well equipped tool-kit including a hacksaw, hammer, cold chisel, pliers, plug spanner, a set of ring and open-ended spanners, a socket or box spanner set, a set of screwdrivers, some locking wire, electrical tape, electrical wire, sandpaper, files and sealing compounds like M-seal, and of course a can ofWD40 spray.

Spare parts should include spare tyre tube and valve, wheel nuts, fan belt, a/c belt, power steering belt, condenser and contact point (if applicable), radiator hoses, fuses, spark plugs, I litre engine oil, brake fluid, fuel filter, radiator coolant and some fuel additives especially if your vehicle is fuel injected. Poor quality of fuel and the dusty conditions often result in injectors, fuel filters and air filters getting clogged up, so prepare for this situation.

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