Before travelling, anyone who wants peace of mind should have their vehicle inspected thoroughly.
In preparation for your road trip, what is the most important thing to check?
1. Fluids (oil and coolant)
It's important to check the fluid levels first since it's one of the main concerns drivers should be aware of and don't check often enough. You might have a leak somewhere in your coolant and oil levels are low.
You should also check the brake fluid. If this level is too low, your car will be unsafe to drive.
2. Lights
You want to make sure that all of your car's lights are working correctly if you are driving at night or in misty conditions - especially if you are travelling in an unfamiliar region of the country. This is a simple but crucial test.
3. Wipers
Are the wipers clearing the water from the windscreen, or do they leave lines of water that impair visibility? Spray your windscreen with the windscreen washers before setting off on your road trip, and then make sure the wipers are working.
4. Wheels and tires
Probably the most important part of your vehicle is the tires. As your car's connection to the road, they have to be in excellent condition if you are driving for hours at a time.
Take a look at the tread depth. Tires usually have a tread depth indicator, and once it reaches that point, it should be replaced immediately. Inspect the tire's surface for damage, inflexions, and bubbles.
Drivers should also check their tire pressure regularly, even when not on a road trip. If a tire is overinflated, it will wear in the middle, and if it is underinflated, it will wear on the sides and edges.
5. Brake pads
Brake pad wear is another important factor to consider. Brake pads are made of metal outer parts and composite inner parts. The composite inner parts should be over 5mm thick. At the point when the pad wears down below this level, we will advise that it needs to be replaced. Check that your handbrake is working properly. Hin Lung Auto advises your handbrake should not click more than four times before it holds the car in place. A roadworthy test would not allow more than four clicks.
6. Leaks
You should also check under your car for leaks from various components and hoses. Get your vehicle checked by a mechanic if you find a shiny texture or coolant that looks like oil on the garage floor.
7. Drive belts
Make sure the drive belt is free of cracks while checking underneath your vehicle. In the event of a worn-out or damaged drive belt, your engine may completely shut down. The battery will not charge, and your engine will overheat as the water pump is powered by the drive belt,
8. Spare wheel
If you are tackling a long journey, it is a good idea to check that your spare tire, jack, and spanner are all present in your vehicle and that they are working. Ensure your spare wheel's tires are properly inflated as well.
9. Steering
There are some tests that can only be conducted while driving.
You can check the steering by taking the vehicle on the road and seeing if it pulls in a certain direction - if it veers to the left or the right. This could indicate a wheel alignment issue. In this case, raise the vehicle and check the wheels again, as well as other components, such as the steering rack.
10. Brakes and clutch
Although brake pads are checked at a stop, it is also important to assess how the vehicle reacts to braking while driving - whether it pulls to one side or the other when braking. Driving a vehicle that cannot be controlled under braking is extremely dangerous.
If you are thinking of purchasing a car and are unsure as to how to proceed, contact us today! Hin Lung Auto’s qualified staff is available to help you every step of the way!
You may call our Customer Care now at +65 6472 2222