Due to the economic crisis, overconfidence, or simply carelessness or ignorance, nearly three in ten drivers do not easily check their vehicles before going on holiday
The economic crisis that many Spaniards are going through, overconfidence, or simply carelessness or ignorance, will mean that almost three in ten drivers do not easily check their vehicles before starting their holiday, after which they have to travel hundreds of kilometers, and hours of traffic jams under the sun with the engine running and the air conditioning on full blast. According to experts at Cleverea, there will be about 95 million journeys this summer and 2.25% of those will end in bad luck. In fact, some 112,500 vehicles will remain stranded in the outbound operation and more than two million during the summer.
Keep in mind that not checking your car properly increases the chance of a breakdown by 50%. That is why it is essential that we
deadlines specified by the vehicle manufacturer for the corresponding revisions:
1.
ties: It is necessary to check the depth of the drawing which is not less than 1.6mm, and whether there is any kind of irregularity or damage such as cuts, cracks and deformations. As for the pressure of the wheels, we have to check that it is within the values indicated by the manufacturer, depending on how loaded the car is. This measurement should always be done with cold tires. We also have to take into account that the tires have to be replaced about every 50,000 km and that it is also very important to check that the spare wheel is correctly placed before starting.
two.
liquids: Normally when there is a lack of brake fluid, a warning light comes on on the dashboard, but we can also check the level by opening the hood and looking for a white reservoir with a black cap. The oil should be measured with the car on a level surface, stationary and with the engine cold. With the hood open and properly secured, locate and remove the dipstick (usually a bright color), clean it with a cloth or paper, note the two notches it has for minimum and maximum levels, and reinsert it until it stops. Normally we change the oil every 15,000 or 20,000 miles, or every year.
For its part, the coolant, or antifreeze, should be completely replaced every two years or about 30,000 kilometers. The steering fluid is changed about every 100,000 miles, but if it smells burnt, or makes it harder for us to turn the steering wheel, or if noises are heard, it’s a sign that we need to replace it immediately. Likewise, before traveling, it is also very important to check that the windshield wipers are working correctly and that there is no shortage of fluid. And by the way, it is also useful to clean the brushes with the same liquid and a cloth.
3.
Air conditioning: Here there are two different elements, the filter on the one hand and the air conditioning liquid or gas on the other. The first should be replaced every year because if it is full of dust or particles, it will not allow air to pass through properly and we may think that it is not working properly. And the gas, depending on the use given to it and the environment in which you live, is normal to change between 2 and 4 years.
Four.
drums: Normally it is difficult to detect battery failures before they occur, so an assessment of the car in a specialist workshop is the most useful for us to check. However, we can verify that the terminals are not sulphated or oxidized and that the cables are perfectly secured, as they can be released by vibration.
5.
Lights: Now that we have started checking the car, it is not difficult to check the six lights that we have in our vehicle’s lighting system (low beam, road, position, fog light, reverse gear and turn signals). Before you travel, it is worth checking that they are working correctly to avoid any kind of accident. Among them, the possible fine of 200 euros for wearing a plaster.
6.
Signaling and Security Systems: Before we start, we need to make sure we have the emergency triangles, the reflective vest and our insurance policy in order. When renting a car it is important that we look at what is covered, a tow truck all over the national territory, the possibility to give us a replacement car for our holidays, or at least to reach our destination… By the way, not wearing a triangle or not correctly designating our vehicle in the event of a breakdown, in addition to the danger associated with it, entails a fine of 200 euros, while not wearing the reflective vest an additional 200 has to come. And all people exiting the vehicle must wear their corresponding vest.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
