by Anishametra Saravanan 

The holiday season is upon us and that means many of us are taking a much-needed break to go on holiday trips. If you’re traveling within the country, it’s important to ensure your vehicle is in good condition to be on the road. So, here’s a few ways you can be sure your car is in tip top condition before you set off on your adventure.  

Why Is It Important? 

Car maintenance is a crucial task as it keeps vehicles running smoothly to avoid any operational delays and disruptions. Carrying out regular car maintenance helps you: 

• address car issues even before they arise 
• increase driver and passengers’ safety while on the road 
• reduce the probability of car breakdown that may cause vehicle damage 
• save time and money on unexpected auto repairs 

You may visually check the following items to make sure your vehicle runs smoothly:  

• Engine light
  A flashing engine light is a sign that the electronic control system has run into a problem that needs immediate attention. 
• Brake
  Manually test brakes if there is a ‘spongy feel’ or if it takes more pressure than usual to apply the brakes. Check if you can hear a strange creaking sound. 
• Tyres
  Check if the tyre pressure light is “on” and inspect if the pressure is within its normal range. Visually investigate for a possibility of tyre holes.
• Lights
  Test for busted lights including the head, tail, parking, brake, and signal lights. 
• Wipers
  Check wiper blades for any signs of wear and tear and replace them if necessary. 
• Fuel
  Be sure to fuel up your vehicle before your long journey and monitor when you will need to refuel. Here are a few general car maintenance tips that will help you achieve the desired result in terms of fuel and mileage:  
  • Maintain average speed: Continuous speed fluctuations and rash driving takes a huge toll on the mileage of your car. It decreases the life of your car’s engine in the long run as well. This will result in your car not running smoothly. Instead, try to maintain an average speed.  
  • Don’t burden your car with heavy weights: Do not burden your car with heavy bags/luggage. This is critical from an economically and safety standpoint. By overloading your car, your petrol costs will rise significantly and any sudden steering or maneuvering of your vehicle is almost certain to end in a spinout. 

A simple car maintenance checklist as mentioned above can go a long way in helping you identify issues, defects, or any problem that may arise in a vehicle. As a result, it helps secure vehicle roadworthiness to promote safety and operational efficiency.

Wishing everyone safe travels and happy holidays!  

Source:  

Safety Culture