Car check-ups are necessary with the change in season
Published |
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2010
Tue
07
Sep
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As the long, cold winter makes its exit and spring approaches, motorists should schedule a thorough check of their vehicles to ensure that the harsh winter has not caused any lasting damage.
“Preparing your car for the change in season is important as the winter can take a heavy toll on one’s car. However, there are ways to help avoid the costs associated with vehicle negligence,” says Angelo Haggiyannes, director of Auto & General Insurance.
There are several aspects of vehicle maintenance that are non-negotiable, he says, including the following:
· Replace windscreen wipers after winter - being caught in a summer storm with damaged wipers is extremely dangerous and can lead to a collision.
· Inspect brakes twice a year for wear and damage, ensuring that your vehicle is roadworthy at all times.
· Ensure that the vehicle’s headlights are in working order and that no light bulbs need replacing.
· Check all the liquids of your vehicle, including brake fluid and engine oil. If the motor oil is black, you need to have it drained and replaced with new motor oil. For the brake fluid, look at the transparent brake oil canister in the car to see if the levels are optimal for driving. If not, simply add more.
· Ensure that the radiator is fully functional. If it is leaking, the operating temperature of the car can reach a dangerous level within minutes.
· Check the functioning of your air conditioner at an air conditioning repair centre. Also, replace your air filter at least once a year in order to ensure that it continues to filter out dirt and other foreign particles in the air, preventing them from possibly damaging the engine.
· Take your vehicle to a service centre to see if the engine needs a tune up. ‘Cough’ sounds in the engine when it is being driven means the engine needs attention.
· Have tyres monitored for tread and ensure that the pressure is correct. A worn or underinflated tyre can significantly reduce the performance of your vehicle and is a major safety hazard.
· Balance and align wheels to ensure maximum tyre life and to avoid vibration in the steering wheel and/or seat.
· Check the vehicle’s battery for corrosion that might have built up during winter. Hot weather can also shorten the life of your vehicle’s battery, so before summer officially begins, replace it with a new one, if needed.
Driving in wet weather a major hazard
Driving in the summer months presents particular challenges to drivers in provinces that experience high summer rainfall patterns.
“Driving in South Africa during a raging thunderstorm at night is extremely frightening, and is a great cause of vehicle accidents. Motorists should be aware of this as the first rains of the season draw nearer,” says Haggiyannes.
In wet weather, motorists should turn and brake as gently as possible, as braking harder than necessary not only increases the chances of an accident but is also uneconomical.
Motorists should drive slower than usual in wet conditions in order to keep a steady pace and longer following distance. If possible, deep puddles or flowing water must be avoided.
Haggiyannes concludes: “Remember that regular maintenance of your vehicle as the season changes, as well as adopting cautious driving habits, will ensure that your commutes are as safe as possible.”
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