Car Preparation for Holidays

It’s that time of year when the school zones are quit and the highways are busy.

School holidays are here.

Are you driving your car?

A well maintained car is less likely to give you trouble when you are gone.

The best thing to do is to take your car to a local mechanic and get them to do a safety check.

A lot of the franchised mechanical repair places offer this service (e.g. Midas, K-Mart Auto, etc).

And why not – it is an excellent business development idea because they more stuff they find wrong with the more cars, the more work they will do and the more revenue they will make.

BUT mechanics have a habit of being doom and gloom merchants for obvious reasons.

If the brake pads are half way worn, they may still get 10-20,000 kms out of them but they may suggest what could be an un-necessary replacement.

This is just one example of one type of part.

So if you do this, maybe get two different opinions and pick and choose the work you decide to get done before you go.

Tyres are included in this for safety reasons.

Have you got your recommended servicing done on time and done all the items listed?

If not, and you are overdue, a flush/change of most fluids is a good idea.

Apart from the obvious engine oil, when was the last time you had your radiator flushed or your brakes bled?

Things that tend to go suddenly are various maintenance items, which you can probably check yourself. A few examples are:

  • Check all lights both inside and outside are functional – if not replace bulbs/fuses.
  • Check the levels of your engine oil, radiator coolant, brake fluid, battery water, auto transmission fluid, power steering fluid, windscreen wash bottle.
  • Test the horn.

  • The handbrake – this can often be overlooked – does it hold on a slope?

  • Tyres – make the sure the pressure is right for the load you are towing if applicable. Or if you have the back full of gear.