If you are one of the lucky ones for whom the time to start your vacation is approaching, this interests you. Packing your suitcase, leaving your house or pets safe, or planning your route are just some of the parts of organizing a road trip. Checking the condition of your vehicle is a fundamental step before starting your journey to guarantee the safety of its occupants and avoid breakdowns.
This revision, although it does not exempt us from some of the sneak peeks on the dashboard surprising us halfway, it will reduce the chances of this happening. In the event that any of the on-board computer lights come on, you will have to go to a workshop as soon as possible. To help you mitigate unnecessary inconvenience, we have prepared a guide with the main indicators, their meaning and what you must do to make them go off. Open the hood and get to work!
Before leaving on a trip, it is vital that you check the invoice of your last service. How many kilometers do you need to change the oil in the car? If you are close to the stipulated limit and you plan to make a long journey, you should advance this oil change before going on vacation.
That the oil warning light comes on indicates that the pressure of this liquid is lower than the minimum necessary to lubricate the engine. Ignoring this warning can cause the engine to seize. To avoid this, measure the oil levels with the dipstick before leaving and, if necessary, fill the tank with a bottle of the type of oil recommended for your car’s engine.
If, when you return to the car park or when leaving a car park, you see oil stains on the asphalt, you should go to a workshop immediately, as it could indicate a leak in the tank or a broken gasket, seal or crankcase.
A red illuminated battery symbol is not a good sign. If the engine is hot after a long journey, it is also not a good idea to open the hood. Avoid using the radio, windows or interior lights: you may have to change the battery in a garage.
Although it could be a point discharge, the ideal is to check the battery connections before leaving on a trip.
If the fuel light comes on, it means that you are entering the reserve and that you must refuel at the nearest gas station. It is not advisable to circulate with the deposit in reserve. If you notice that the consumption of your car is higher than usual, it may also be a symptom of a breakdown.
The on-board computer will notify you if one of the car’s lights has blown. In this case, you would have to get a replacement and change the bulb yourself or in a workshop, since driving with a burnt out light can be a reason for a penalty. That is why before you travel, you should check that all lights and turn signals are working properly.
Go back to the invoices of your last revisions and check when was the last time you changed the brake pads. In the event of problems with these elements or with the shock absorbers, a warning light will appear on the dashboard. It is also recommended that you check the levels of the steering fluid and the brake fluid, as well as the antifreeze and the windshield washer reservoir —if you do not want your mosquitoes to leave the glass lost.
To make sure, it is best to go to your trusted workshop before the holidays, because there they could warn you of other failures or needs of the vehicle, such as filling the air conditioning gas or replacing the air filter, for example.
