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6 must-check points after a long holiday trip
1. Air filter
During a long holiday trip, your car will be exposed to a lot of dust and smoke on the road. As these dust particles accumulate, they may contaminate and clog the air filter.
An easy way to self-check this part is to open the hood of the car and check the air filter pot next to the throttle valve for dirt and excessive dust. If there is too much dust, you can tap the pot or blow the dust out of the filter. If you leave the air filter dirty, it will result in further accumulation of dust, leading to decreased efficiency in filtering dust and eventually causing the filter to become clogged.
2. Coolant
Another important point that must be inspected after a long trip is the cooling system of the engine. It can be checked by observing the level of remaining coolant in the reservoir. If the coolant level is lower than the minimum limit, it means there is too little coolant, which can potentially cause the engine to overheat and damage it. It is recommended to refill the coolant before traveling again.
3. Engine oil
After returning from a long journey, it is important to inspect the engine oil level in your car to ensure it remains at a normal level and is free from leaks. The level of the engine oil can be observed using the dipstick within the tank. If the engine oil level falls between the F and L lines or the Max and Min lines, the oil level is optimal—neither excessive nor insufficient. However, if the oil appears excessively dark despite being at a normal level, it signifies contamination that can potentially reduce the oil’s lubrication effectiveness.
If the oil level is below the L mark, it indicates insufficient oil and could accelerate engine wear. Conversely, an oil level surpassing the F mark suggests an overfill, leading to heightened temperatures and increased fuel consumption.
4. Tires
As for tires, there are four key points that should be inspected:
4.1 Tread Depth: This can be assessed by inserting one baht coin into the tire groove. If the entire surface of the coin is visible, it indicates that the tire should be replaced soon.
4.2 Marks on the tires: Check for damaged marks, swollen tires, uneven tread wear, and dry cracks on the sidewalls. It is also recommended to observe if the tires lack flexibility when braking, as this could indicate a potential leak that is dangerous for further driving.
4.3 Tire Pressure: If during inspection you discover that one of the tire has lower air pressure than specified (standard tire pressure specifications can be found on the plaque located on the driver's door), it may indicate a leak in that tire. It is recommended to bring the car for a more thorough inspection and have the leak patched or replace that tire right away.
4.4 Foreign objects in the tires: If you find nails, metal scraps, or stones in the tire, this could lead to a leak or even tire explosion. It is imperative to take your car for tire replacement right away to ensure safety.
5. Car suspension
The suspension can be checked by conducting a test drive on a straight road to inspect the alignment. When driving, try to observe whether the steering wheel remains straight. If not, the car may require realignment. Additionally, when driving over rough terrain, try to listen for any rattling sounds from the suspension components, such as ball joints. If such noises occur, it is advisable to bring the car to a service center right away. Finally, inspect the shock absorbers for any oil stains, especially around the shock shaft, as this could indicate leakage. Keep in mind that the entire suspension system significantly influences driving balance.
6. Car body
Check the car body for any scratches to make sure there are no additional marks. You should also observe around the car body for new dents or scratches. If the dents are not repaired right away, it may affect the car in the long term.
Now that we have learned the importance of car inspection after a long trip, don’t forget to follow these check points so that you can identify the damage and have your car repaired before it is too late. Remember to always check the condition of your car so that your beloved car can run for a long time. With care from PTT Lubricants 💙
Source :
https://www.autospinn.com/2019/04/8-checking-your-car-before-a-long-drive-55968