During the bank holiday weekend, many people plan to go on road trips or visit their friends to take advantage of the longer break.
With this in mind, Vytas Palovis, VP of Growth at car parts marketplace Ovoko, has shared the most common issues to watch out for to prevent running into problems with your vehicle.
Engine coolant that is low or needs replacing
While your engine coolant level should not drop drastically, debris can accumulate over time from general use, which can turn the coolant a brown or muddied colour. Coolant also becomes more acidic over time which can cause corrosive damage to the car’s cooling system and impact how effectively it cools the engine.
As a general rule of thumb, the engine coolant should be drained and replaced every 30,000 miles as part of your car’s major service. Make sure to consult your vehicle’s manual first, as some models may be able to be left for longer.
If your coolant level appears to be below the recommended fill levels, you can top this up yourself at home using the type of coolant recommended in your vehicle’s manual.
Wait until the engine has completely cooled before opening the bonnet and locating the coolant reservoir, otherwise you may be exposed to hot pressurised coolant when you remove the coolant cap.
Ensure you are topping up your coolant reservoir to the max line before securing the cap back in place. If you regularly need to top up your engine coolant level, this can indicate a leak, which a mechanic will need to address.
Inspect your tyres
Ambient temperature increases of 10°C can raise tyre pressure by 1-2 PSI, which, when combined with increased heat from contact with the road, can increase pressure and increase the chances of your tyre blowing out.
Most passenger cars have a recommended tyre pressure of 30 – 35 PSI but consult your manual for your vehicle’s specific tyre pressure range.
Maintaining optimal tyre pressure can prevent flat tyres or blowouts and help maximise fuel efficiency on long trips. Don’t forget also to check the air pressure of your spare tyre to ensure it will be a reliable alternative in case of an emergency.
Ensure that your tyres meet the legal minimum limit of 1.6 millimetres across the central three-quarters of the tyre tread. If you insert a 20p coin into the tread and the outer banding of the coin is visible, this indicates that the tyre is below the legal limit.
Check your brakes
Remember to check your car’s brake performance since the warmer temperatures of this summer may have impacted their effectiveness. As well as poor stopping, listen for squealing or growling sounds when testing your brakes, as well as any pulling or pulling to one side while you drive.
Windscreen and wiper maintenance
Check that your car’s water reservoir is topped up. This will ensure you can use windscreen wipers effectively, particularly during summer when pollen, sap and dust are likely to have gathered on your windscreen and might not have been washed away by the rain.
It is also important to check if your windscreen wipers blade need replacing. The warmer weather may have caused the rubber on your wiper blades to deteriorate and become less effective at clearing your screen.
Vytas Palovis, VP of Growth at Ovoko, adds:
“While the summer months and the bank holiday weekend are perfect for longer car journeys, remember to follow these steps to help ensure your car remains reliable and safe this season. This can not only save you from costly repairs, but also from a potentially dangerous situation.
“Remember, these maintenance tips are essential throughout the entire year, and if you are unsure about any of these preparations, consult your car manual or speak to a professional.”
