Summer is here and, with it, come the getaways to the beach, the pool or the mountains. In fact, during this time of year, road travel is growing greatly . This, added to the high temperatures our vehicle faces, means that we have to check some forgotten elements during the winter before leaving on a trip. The heat increases the risk of poor maintenance turning into a mechanical breakdown , which can cause small errors in the operation of our car, which make long summer trips difficult.
Keeping your vehicle in good condition is essential for safe travel . For this reason, before getting behind the wheel, it is very important to make sure that the condition of the tires, the only elements in direct contact with the road, is optimal. In the event of driving with worn tires or with inadequate pressure, the vehicle loses grip and braking capacity, in addition to influencing fuel consumption. As if that were not enough, high temperatures also increase the risk of suffering a puncture or a dangerous blowout.
Filters, oil and radiator
It is recommended to change both the motor oil and several of the car’s filters that trap dust , as well as other impurities, every year. The engine must be well lubricated, so before going on vacation is a good time to review this question. Regarding the gearbox oil, it is very important to check that it is at optimum levels so that the gearbox gears do not suffer any damage.
It is also necessary to check the condition of the radiator and the hoses , to rule out that there are coolant leaks, which can also affect the performance of the cooling system. It is important that the engine is well cooled to avoid overheating of the vehicle.
Driving at the correct ambient temperature is essential to do so safely, as it avoids fatigue and driver fatigue . The air conditioning system becomes a key element, so we have to check that it works properly. If not, it may be time to change the filter or to charge the refrigerant gas. Another possibility is that the air compressor is broken or that the ventilation system has suffered some mishap.
The breakage of the timing belt can cause one of the most serious breakdowns in our vehicle. For this reason, we must pay attention to its condition at least every four to five years and replace the distribution kit every ten years. Nor do we have to forget about elements such as the water pump, as they can also affect the vehicle’s belt system.
Protected at the wheel
However, not only does the car have to be prepared for the summer trips , but so do we. It is important to remember that we must always carry water in the car during these hot months to be perfectly hydrated. In addition, we must not forget to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and sunglasses to avoid loss of vision at the wheel and, as a consequence, our road safety.
