WHEN you return from a well-earned vacation, you often find yourself catching up on administrative tasks that you neglected while relaxing by the pool or on the beach.
Paying bills, buying clothes and school supplies, and getting back into a work mindset often dominate people's objectives. Many individuals forget that their cars, which have been a reliable source of transportation over the holidays, also require maintenance at this frequently hectic time.
As you return from your vacation and prepare for the New Year, it is crucial to prioritise taking care of your car. To make sure your car will continue to serve you and your family for the upcoming months, you must do some post-holiday vehicle checks in addition to getting it ready for a trip.
Post-holiday vehicle service helps maintain safety, reliability, and performance, ensuring your vehicle is ready for future journeys.
After the holiday season, it is a great time to consider a vehicle service.
Here are some key steps and checks to ensure your vehicle is in top shape:
Oil change: Check the oil level and replace it if necessary. Fresh oil helps keep the engine running smoothly. You run the risk of major repercussions for both your car and your pocketbook if you do not change your engine oil on a regular basis. These could include:
Reduced fuel efficiency: Deposits may accumulate on engine components such as injectors, valves, and pistons as a result of degraded engine oil. Incomplete combustion may result from these deposits restricting the engine's fuel or airflow. The engine could, therefore, have to raise the fuel-air ratio, requiring more fuel to generate the same amount of power.
- A simple after-holiday vehicle check
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Increased emissions: Higher emissions of dangerous greenhouse gases, including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants that are bad for the environment and human health, can also result from incomplete combustion.
Overheating: Dirt, metal fragments, and other contaminants taint the oil, causing it to thicken. The engine temperature rises as a result of the oil's decreased ability to distribute heat through the engine.
Damage to the engine: Over time, engine oil can deteriorate due to high temperatures, pressures, and oxidation. The declining lubricating qualities of the oil lead to metal-to-metal contact, which in turn increases wear and friction between engine components. Degraded engine oil's acidity can also erode the engine's metal surfaces.
Sludge accumulation: Over time, oil becomes polluted. Sludge will accumulate as a result of these particles settling. Sludge can clog oil passageways and keep oil from getting to every component of the engine since it is a thick, sticky, gel-like substance. This may result in limited oil flow and irreversible engine damage, which could mean your car is completely lost or requires an expensive repair.
Tyre inspection: Check tyre pressure and tread depth. Rotate tyres if needed and consider alignment if the vehicle pulls to one side. Long drives during the holidays can lead to increased wear on your vehicle. A check helps identify any issues that may have arisen. Changes in temperature and road conditions during the holiday season can affect tyre pressure and tread wear. Proper tyre maintenance ensures better traction and fuel efficiency.
Brake check: Inspect brake pads, discs, and fluid levels. Listen for any unusual sounds when braking. Ensuring that brakes, tyres, lights, and other critical components are functioning properly is vital for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Heavy holiday traffic can strain your brakes. Inspecting them ensures they are responsive and effective, especially after long drives.
Battery health: Test the battery to ensure it is fully charged. Clean any corrosion from terminals. Cold weather can affect battery performance. A check can help ensure your battery is in good condition, reducing the risk of breakdowns.
Fluid levels: Check all fluid levels: coolant, transmission, brake, and windshield washer fluids. Top off as necessary. Holiday travel can lead to decreased fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid). Ensuring these are topped off helps prevent engine overheating and brake failure.
Lights and wipers: Test all lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals) and replace any burnt-out bulbs. Check wipers for wear and replace if necessary.
Filters: Replace air and cabin filters to ensure clean air intake and a comfortable interior. Neglecting your air filter can lead to several issues. Over time, it can cause reduced fuel efficiency, diminished horsepower, and even engine damage. The air filter is designed to clean the air that enters your vehicle, and when it becomes clogged with dirt and debris, it can no longer effectively do its job. Keeping up with this small maintenance task can save you from more significant, expensive problems.
Belts and hoses: Inspect belts for cracks or wear and hoses for leaks or softness.
Exterior inspection: Look for any visible damage, rust spots, or paint issues. Consider a wash and wax.
Scheduled maintenance: Review your vehicle’s manual for any upcoming scheduled maintenance that may be due. Regular inspections can catch potential problems before they become serious, saving you time and money in the long run. Regular checks ensure you stay on top of your vehicle's maintenance schedule, which can help maintain its value and reliability.
My decision
A post-holiday vehicle check is a proactive approach to vehicle maintenance that enhances safety, reliability, and performance. It ensures you start the New Year with confidence in your vehicle's condition.
Knowing that your vehicle is in excellent condition can provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your daily activities without worrying about potential breakdowns. Regular post-holiday vehicle maintenance can prevent larger issues down the road and keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently.
Early detection of issues can prevent more extensive and costly repairs down the line. Consider visiting DRIVUS World for professional advice on your car, for I highly rate them because of their technical knowledge and excellent customer care.
You can find them at 124–126, Corner of Simon Mazorodze and Manchester Road, Southerton, Harare, Zimbabwe. You may contact them via the following phone numbers: +263 777 677 935, +263 719 144 072, +263 772 917 708 and +263 242 621 723/621 739. For email enquiries, please use the following addresses: [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected].
