While driving a car with your family or loved ones, various things come to mind. Isn’t it? If you go for a long trip, our focus is on packing bags, booking accommodation, and mapping the route. But we overlook some important things. Guess what? We forget to check the condition of the car and ignore the car's service history. These things are pretty essential when planning a long trip.
Your car may look fine, but if you miss the seasonal checks and servicing, you might face the consequences. A vehicle may face some conditions and seasonal effects on the road. Every season provides a different experience for a car owner while driving. So, if you are planning to go miles away from your home, follow a checklist based on car servicing Reading. Whether you are going for a holiday or a business trip, stay safe with seasonal checks. Enjoy your journey with safety and care.
Why Is Seasonal Car Care Important?
Similar to human beings, cars also face different seasonal challenges. The engine of a car may heat up due to the weather. Winter can bring risks such as frozen fluids, icy roads, and weakened batteries. If you ignore the seasonal changes, it may lead to some common problems.
- The car tyres get hotter after driving for several hours. So, car servicing is essential before planning a trip.
- Fluids like engine oil are consumed faster while planning long trips.
- Brakes are consequently used on motorways or hilly roads.
If you perform seasonal car care before a long trip, you may reduce some risks. There are some risks, such as getting stuck on the road and other problems. So, you can increase the chance of a smooth journey.
Seasonal Checks Before Planning a Long Trip
Planning a long drive or holiday is a good idea. But you should consider some essential checks as a driver. Here is a checklist:
- Brakes
Good brakes are critical while travelling at speed. You should contact a car mechanic to inspect the discs, brake pads, and fluid. Never ignore grinding or squeaking noises, which may lead to brake failure.
- Tyres
Car tyres contact the road during a road trip in your vehicle. Check a few things before a roadside trip:
- Tyre Pressure: The underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption.
- Tread Depth: The tread depth should be about 1.6 mm, which meets the legal requirements of the U.K.
- Battery
The car batteries fail without any warning. Extreme heat and cold can weaken the batteries. So, change your batteries if they are over three years old. You should test it before travelling.
- Heating and Air Conditioning
Comfort matters when you are planning a long trip. An air conditioner in your vehicle keeps the cabin cool in summer. It also helps maintain the temperature and prevent window cracks in winter. So, always try to maintain the AC of your car with proper servicing.
- Wipers and Light
Visibility is everything in a long trip. So, you should check the brake lights, headlights, and indicators. The wiper blades are important because they clean the windscreen. So, check all the parts of the car before you plan a long trip.
Tips for Seasonal Car Care
The condition of the parts of a car reacts in several ways. Now, you should follow the quick tips to take care of your car for multiple seasons:
Summer
During summer, hot weather may risk blowouts and overheating of tyres. You should always ensure that the coolant level is correct, and it should be topped up with extra water. A sound air conditioning system is a must when you are going for a long drive.
Rainy Season
Rain may strike anytime in the U.K. So, you should clean your car from rain with the wipers. Tyres should have good grip to avoid risk.
Winter
The cold weather affects fuel, tyres, and visibility. So, keep a de-icer in your vehicle. Ensure that your vehicle's battery is fully charged when you are driving in winter.
MOT and Long Car Trips
MOT maintains the safety of the vehicle. The test helps ensure road safety under environmental standards. Some people don't identify the issues like bald tyres, brakes, and worn suspension. These are the reasons for failure. So, book an MOT Reading to reduce the risk of driving.
Essentials for Long Trips
If you choose the best car servicing, it is better to carry the essentials for an emergency. Take a look:
- First aid kit.
- Tyre repair kit.
- Reflective vest.
- Torch and batteries.
- Power bank and mobile charger.
- Bottled water.
- Snacks.
Enjoy your trip with the essentials!
Final Thoughts
It may not be enough to tick a box when you start seasonal car care. Maintaining safety is essential when you're planning a long road trip. So, checking the brakes, tyres, and fluids is the crucial task that you should do before a trip. Don’t forget about servicing your car in various seasons. Timely servicing and proper seasonal car care can prevent a roadside nightmare. So, make your roadside trip happy.
Tags : CAR SERVICING READING
