Motoring Advice

Things to check before you go on a journey.

Regular driveway maintenance on your vehicle can save you time and money down the track. The following tasks can be completed by drivers themselves. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for more specific manufacturer instructions.

Check fluids

Engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. Most new cars have transparent reservoir tanks making attention to this task clean and easy. Refer to the owners' manual for the proper procedures for checking and adding fluids to your vehicle. Regular servicing takes care of most needs but it pays to check.

Belts and hoses

Check all the drive belts and hoses for any signs of wear and deterioration. Belts that are frayed, glazed, cracked, cut or have chunks missing should be replaced immediately. With the engine switched off and cold, look at each hose and see if there are leaks, bulges, cracks, or swelling. If they look good, give them a squeeze test. Good hoses are firm but flexible. Any hoses or belts that feel spongy, soft or brittle should be replaced.

Battery

Flat batteries are the most common roadside problem. The most common battery types today are maintenance free batteries. Maintenance free batteries have sealed caps and require no checking. But some batteries say maintenance free but do have removable caps. These should be checked in the usual manner.

Check that the battery electrolyte is up to the proper level by removing the battery caps and looking inside. Finally, check the battery to see that there are no cracks or holes in the battery casing itself. Keep a record of the age of your battery. You should expect to replace it every three years. It is a good idea not to wait till it goes on you. If the battery is three or four years old, consider replacing it. You can order your battery through DriverCare.

Brakes

If you hear any grinding noises or feel unusual vibrations when you apply the brakes, or if the vehicle pulls to one side, take the vehicle in for a comprehensive checkup. Make sure your brake pads are checked at your vehicle's regular services.

Cooling system

If your vehicle is using conventional coolant and hasn't been flushed for two years, now is an excellent time to do it. If it has extended life coolant go with the manufacturers recommended change intervals. If this interval will occur during a long trip, replace the coolant prior to your trip. The cooling system should be refilled with the correct coolant. Don't refill with just straight water unless you have to.

Air-conditioning

Make sure your car's heating and A/C is working properly. Run it for a while in each of its operating modes and check that the airflow is coming from all appropriate vents. If the A/C system takes an inordinately long time to cool the inside of the car, or if the air never gets cold enough, the system probably needs to be checked for leaks and recharged.

Tyres

Many accidents are caused by improper tyre pressure. By maintaining correct tyre pressure you can ensure that the vehicle is riding correctly on the road as well as improving braking and increasing fuel economy. Check your vehicle's tyre pressure recommendations. The psi often changes with different load sizes. As warm tyres read at a higher pressure testing is best done when tyres are cold. With this in mind treat yourself to a pressure gauge. In your preparation remember to check the pressure of your spare tyre.