There’s a great deal of truth in the old phrase “prevention is better than cure,” specifically when it comes to car maintenance.
With festive season road trips being particularly demanding on cars, motorists are urged to get their vehicles checked ahead of the holidays.
Dewald Ranft, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) says the most common vehicle failures include overheating engines, battery failures, tyre blowouts, braking problems as well as faulty lights and wipers.
To prevent engine overheating, Ranft advises car owners to ensure their cooling system is functioning effectively by checking coolant levels, inspecting the radiator and replacing old hoses.
Car batteries should also be professionally tested and checked for corrosion on the terminals.
As for braking problems, motorists should listen out for unusual noises, check brake fluid levels and have their pads inspected by a professional.
Perhaps the most important safety check is tyres as blowouts are often fatal. Inspect your tyres not only for tread levels, but also look out for any bubbles or suspicious looking damage on the sidewalls as these could indicate a blowout in the making. Regularly checking tyre pressures can also save your life as low pressure in a tyre, caused by a puncture, can result in a blowout or leave you stranded
Lights and wipers should also be inspected ahead of a road trip, as getting stuck in the middle of a storm and finding out your wipers don’t function can be extremely dangerous.
Ranft also stresses the importance of taking note of and acting on dashboard warning lights. Ignoring these can turn minor issues into major problems, he says.
The most important ones to look out for are the engine management light, battery warning light, oil level warning light, brake warning light and ABS system light.
“Your car’s dashboard is like a health monitor for your vehicle. Ignoring warning lights could lead to accidents or expensive repairs,” says Ranft.
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