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Road trips can be great fun, but having to deal with constant car
trouble or worse, a break down in the middle of nowhere, is a great
way of ruining all your fun. Of course, most people know that
getting your car checked and serviced is the best way to prevent
this from happening, but did you also know there are steps you can
take to prepare your car for the beach, the mountains or just
driving in the city?
A day at the beach
The good thing about a beach vacation is that the driving is smooth
— the terrains is usually level and the roads are easy to drive, so
your car (and you) aren’t stressed. The biggest problem about a
beach vacation is the water, the salt in the air, and the extreme
sun, which all take their toll on your car. If you normally run the
car in a cool climate (England, for example) and then drive to a
hot, seaside environment (the Riviera, or south of Spain), your car
may be particularly stressed by the change. To help make sure your
car survives its trip to the seaside:
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The leading cause of on-road engine-related
breakdowns is cooling system failure. Prevent it by having the
system flushed and refilled with fresh coolant. Used coolant loses
many of its protective properties and may cause the car to overheat.
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Wash and wax the vehicle with a protective
product to guard the finish, which can fade and rust from the sun
and salty air.
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Thoroughly clean the underside of the hood and
what lies beneath. There may still be salt and grime left over from
winter, and added beach salt may damage electrical connections and
fuel and brake lines underneath.
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Clean the car’s interior with a UV protectant to
shield vinyl and plastic surfaces from the sun’s harsh rays.
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Check the tires for proper inflation pressure, as
under-inflated tires consume more energy, and be sure to coat them
with a UV-blocking gloss.
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High hood temperatures and long drives can cause
weak belts to fail, which can prevent the car from operating.
Visually inspect the belts and have them replaced if they shows
significant cracks.
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Have the air conditioning system tested. Driving
without air conditioning or ventilation could be extremely
uncomfortable, or even dangerous, especially if there are small
children or elderly passengers on-board.
Going up the mountain
Mountain driving is one of the most stressful environments for a
car. Firstly, the steep, narrow, winding roads, high altitudes and
unpaved surfaces makes driving itself a challenge, and pushes your
car harder than it is accustomed to. Secondly, the cold, the snow,
occasional rainstorms and constant dampness also take their toll on
the car’s condition, making it more likely to throw up a problem or
two. To make sure your car comes down the mountain on its own power,
and not behind a tow truck:
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Check the vehicle’s brakes and replace worn pads
to prevent brake fade when descending steep hills.
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Have the engine, transmission and final drive
checked according to the vehicle owner’s manual to lessen the strain
mountain driving will put on them.
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If fluid service is required, consider using
synthetic fluids to protect the engine under variable weather
conditions and produce better fuel economy.
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Inspect the wiper blades and replace them if
necessary, as mountain climates are subject to sudden and severe
rainfall.
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Check the battery for corrosion and remaining
charge, as high engine temperatures caused by climbing steep terrain
with heavy loads can wear a battery down.
A cruise around
the city
Driving around a new city is a great way to explore and can make for
a wonderful vacation, but heavy traffic, constant stop-and-go
driving and long traffic jam can be troublesome for your car to
handle. To make sure your car doesn’t turn into immovable junk in
the middle of a one-way street:
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Have the engine oil changed, using synthetic oil
for added protection against the stress created by long periods of
idling in city traffic and short trips.
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Check the car’s air filters when you have the oil
changed and replace them if clogged. A dirty air filter may cause
the car to idle or run roughly.
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Have a fuel system treatment performed to clean
intake valve and combustion chamber deposits, which can form faster
under stop-and-go driving conditions. Doing so will help to
eliminate rough idle, reduce emissions and restore maximum engine
power and fuel economy.
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Inspect the suspension system and replace the
shocks if worn to ensure a smooth ride through uneven, pot-holed
city streets.
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