Author: Lisa

Time for a road trip? Make sure you pack these car survival items just in case! You never know if you might need them, but rather have them and not need them, than need them while you’re stranded!⁣

What you need in your car for emergencies:

• A chain or thick towing rope⁣
• Jumper cables⁣
• Flashlight⁣
• Screw drivers and wrenches of different sizes⁣
• Bungee cords⁣
• Pliers⁣
• Hammer⁣
• Fully stocked first aid kit⁣
• Spare can of petrol/ diesel⁣
• Spare container of oil⁣
• Bottle of water⁣
• Portable tyre pump⁣

Have a fantastic road-trip!

Are you ready for a little escape from reality? Or do you need to take a far-away work trip? It’s time to load your bags and hit the road!⁣

But before you do that, let’s just also make sure that your car is also ready to go!

Here are some things to get your car road trip ready!

• Check your tyre’s condition⁣
• Check tyre tread and look for signs of any damage⁣
• Correct your tyre pressure and be sure not to over inflate⁣
• Check your wiper and wiper fluid⁣
• Check your coolant⁣
• Flush your radiator if you haven’t done so recently⁣
• Check all fuses⁣
• Test out your horn⁣
• Test high and low beam headlight⁣
• Check oil and fill if needed⁣
• Check brake fluid⁣

And of course, while we’re living through a pandemic, don’t forget your hand sanitiser and masks!

Just like that we’re road-trip ready! Let’s go!g

Some signs to look out for that indicate that your engine needs some help!

What you should be looking out for in terms of your engine:

1. When there is a consistent rattle, knock or other unusual noise
2. When you notice smoke
3. When your vehicle experiences severe loss of power
4. When you notice that your petrol doesn’t take your car as far as it usually did before needing to be topped up (and oof, at the price of petrol now-a-days, no one can afford that!)
5. When you vehicle does not start

These are all indication that you may need to consult a mechanic and have your engine checked out.⁣

Signs that your car needs a wheel alignment:

• Rapid of uneven tyre wear
• Noisy steering
  Pulling to either the left or right side
• Steering wheel is crooked while driving straight
• Types are squealing

I’m sure you know that your vehicle’s engine gets HOT HOT. In order to prevent your engine from overheating, your radiator sends coolant through it that helps keep the engine at a constant temperature.⁣ Have a look at these radiator warning signs so that you know when your radiator needs to be repaired or replaced.

Signs that your radiator is in trouble:

1️⃣ Overheating:

If your engine is overheating you must stop immediately and let it cool down. If you keep driving while you vehicle is overheating you can break the engine completely, and you’ll need an entirely new engine.⁣

2️⃣ Bright Coloured Fluid Leaking:

If you notice any bright coloured fluid leaking from your car, this will probably be coolant leaking as coolant is usually brightly coloured (green, yellow, or pink). This means that your car may not have enough coolant to keep the engine’s temperature in check, and thus you should definitely see a professional to have it checked out and repaired.⁣

3️⃣ Rust On Your Radiator:

Because your radiator is made from metal it will begin to rust if it comes into contact with moisture.⁣

4️⃣ Coolant Levels Are Low:

Regularly keep an eye on your coolant levels. If you notice low coolant levels, definitely bring your vehicle in so that we can check it out.⁣

Check out these 5 ways to extend your car’s battery life (Because what’s more annoying than being stuck somewhere with a dead battery)⁣.

5 ways to extend your car’s battery life:

1️⃣ Avoid driving short trips too often

Your battery works every time you start it up, but then gets charged by the engine the longer you drive around. On short trips it’s not possible for the battery to recharge the energy it spent starting up.⁣

2️⃣ Keep your battery tightly fastened

Constant vibration will reduce the life-span of your battery, so it’s very important to have it tightly secured. However, don’t over-tighten it either!⁣

3️⃣ Use minimal power while the engine is off

Make sure your headlight and interior lights are switched off while the engine isn’t running. Double check your lights when you walk away from your car.⁣

4️⃣ Keep your battery clean and dry at all times

Batteries corrode over time, so keeping them clean will help extend their life. Simply scrub it with an old toothbrush and a baking soda and water mixture. The make sure to thoroughly dry it with a clean cloth.⁣

5️⃣ Don’t leave your car unused for long periods of time

All batteries will naturally lose charge over time, and as such you need to have the engine running for long-enough periods to restore the charge to 100%.⁣

Working from home during this pandemic and not traveling around as much as usual? I’m sure this relates to many people right now.

Is Your Car In Quarantine Mode? Well Here Is How You Take Care of Your Inactive Car. 

• Start your at least once every three days to help preserve your battery⁣
• Don’t engage the handbrake when you leave your car parked for a long period of time. Rather put your car in gear or park⁣
• Park indoors or use a car cover
• If you park your car in the same spot for a long period of time move it slightly forward or backwards to avoid flat spots on tyres⁣
• Maintain a full tank of gas to avoid rusting⁣

Stay safe and stay healthy!