Is Your Car Safe?

WHETHER YOU PLAN ON VISITING YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW IN BICOL or simply want to have some R&R in Baguio, your car needs to be up to stuff. Imagine what would happen if it wasn’t. Imagine yourself stuck by the side of a deserted road, trying to flag down cars that will likely never come by; or worse yet, be towed away by the highway patrol. Imagine the stress, the helplessness, the agony.

You have to take matters into your own hands. If you’re planning on taking a road trip, make sure you provide your car with some basic maintenance. A top shape horn might be more useful than you think.

Let’s start by listing the parts on your car that you should check to be certain that the vehicle is in perfect working order. Notice that, while you may be able to verify some of them on your own, for the most part, you’ll have to rely on a competent mechanic.

Fluids

In a way, cars were modeled after living organisms. Consequently, a car has as much bodily fluids as a human. You must make sure that there’s always enough juice in every domain so that the car can function flawlessly. Take note not to overfill these fluids as they’re equally harmful to your car as having no fluid at all. If you think you’re running a leak, better have it checked and repaired first before zooming off to the provinces. Be aware that the first three items on the following list also have filters that need to be examined.

Engine oil
Transmission oil (for automatic transmission models)
Gasoline
Radiator fluid/coolant
Brake fluid
Windshield washer fluid
Power steering fluid
With the exception of gasoline and windshield washer fluid, these fluids must be periodically checked when your vehicle goes in for periodic maintenance service or PMS. Check with your owner’s manual as to the interval of each PMS.

Hoses and Belts

These are like the blood arteries of the human body; they connect the entire system. If there’s a loose connection, you might find yourself hitchhiking before you know it. Make sure all hoses and belts are tightly secured. For instance, you can give the engine belts (do this when the engine is cold and shut-off) an upward and downward tug to make sure they’re still tightly secured. Check by feel if there are cracks and abnormal wear as well.

Tires

Your tires are what tie your car to the road. At any given time, your vehicle is touching the pavement only through a few square inches of rubber. Therefore, it’s important that your treads are deep enough to ensure adequate traction. Some tires provide wear indicators; check them carefully to make sure you still have enough depth. You may also want to check your wheel alignment and balancing as well. Not only will this give you even wear on your tires, but ensure that you have a fine handling car.

You should also check your tire pressure. The number on the tire’s sidewall is the maximum pressure it can withstand, not the recommended amount. This figure is located usually on the driver’s door; some locate it in the glove compartment, the center console or gasoline tank. Again, check the owner’s manual for details on where you can find the recommended tire pressure. Never inflate your tires too much as it could provoke a blowout. And don’t forget the paramount spare tire, just in case.

Lights

Check the headlights, the blinkers and the interior lighting. Faulty lights can be very dangerous, as other motorists will have a hard time gauging their distance from you on the road. Furthermore, you can be pulled over by the police, should your lights be burnt out.

Wipers

Driving a car is not like commanding a submarine. You must constantly keep your eyes peeled for obstacles. In order to facilitate this task, make sure that all your windows are clean, the mirrors at the correct angle, and don’t be afraid to install new wiper blades. Double-check that there are no cracks on the windshield and the wipers. If your car has a demister, check if it functions adequately, in order to ensure that your visibility won’t be hindered in any way.

Brakes

Your car’s braking system is your last line of defense and you need it to be in tiptop shape. Even if you don’t hear them squealing yet, as most brake pads have a built-in screeching wear indicator, have an expert conduct a thorough inspection. Furthermore, if you feel that your brake pedal is softer than usual, it might be a sign of abnormal deterioration, so have it checked before your trip.

Air Filter

An engine needs air to operate. The air filter keeps the improper particles from entering, but, with time, it gets dirty, becoming less effective. Check it regularly, but most especially on a lengthy road trip.

Battery

While it’s true that the more you drive, the more your battery gets charged, if the battery has reached the end of its natural life, you might have difficulty starting your car especially on cold mornings. You don’t want to jumpstart the car everyday, do you? While you’re at it, make sure that the electrical and ignition systems are as good as new.

Air Conditioner

If you feel your car’s air conditioning is similar to a dog’s breath, don’t waste any time and have a professional look into it. Your road trip is supposed to be a vacation, not a foray into a steamship boiler room.

Gauges

Besides your car breaking down, the second worst thing that can happen on the road is having gauges and instruments that make you believe it’s about to, when there is, in fact, nothing wrong. Ask your mechanic to examine the gauges.

If at all possible, have a mechanic check your vehicle at least two weeks before your planned road trip. This way, there will be ample time to fix everything and make the necessary adjustments.

What’s more you should have a backup plan in case something does happen to your car. It can be as simple as having the number of a towing company. An automobile club membership (AAP or Wheelers) is also a great way to kiss your worries goodbye.

By Ulysses Ang | Photos By Ulysses Ang