By Okello Samuel
The Easter holiday is finally here and as a tradition, many will be going to the countryside to celebrate with their families whereas others will remain in the city.
However, this year’s Easter holiday comes amidst heavy rains pounding the country and the last thing you would want to experience is your car breaking down in the middle of nowhere, yet the nearest mechanic is many miles away.
Here are key checks every car owner should do before travelling this Easter holiday;
Tyres
Tyre pressure plays critical part in road safety by ensuring even weight distribution of the vehicle so that the vehicle is stable on the road. When tyres are under inflated, the steering wheel will be sloppy whereas braking will also be slower.
Therefore, before you start the journey, check your tyres to ensure that they are properly inflated at a station with well calibrated gauges, well balanced and have enough tread.
When the tyre treads are worn out, it can be extremely dangerous in wet weather, as they can cause hydroplaning and loss of control. Consider investing in all-weather tires before you embark on that journey to ensure your tires can deliver you safe and sound.
Wipers
Ensure that your windshield wipers are in good condition and working properly because there is nothing as bad as worn-out wiper blades, more so during a wet season because they you will not be able to clear the rain from the windscreen which will affect your visibility. This might cause an accident.
It is therefore crucial to ensure the wipers are working properly.
Test for their functionality at all wiping speeds and that they never leave any smudges, unwiped areas or make noises on the windshield as they work.
Also avoid using of cars whose windshields are extremely cracked or webbed. You need to have clear visibility of the road ahead of you to avoid accidents.
Have enough water in the wiper water tank.
Defogger
The front defogger works by channeling warm air through vents aimed directly at your windshield whereas the rear one works by electrical currents through black fibers running through your rear windshield.
Therefore, make sure your defogger is working correctly because foggy windows can obstruct your view and make driving dangerous.
Headlights and taillights
There is nothing as dangerous as driving a car during the rainy season without headlights or taillights because you risk either knocking, being knocked or both.
Ensure that your headlights and taillights are functioning well. The lights should be well adjusted in both low and high beams.
Ensure both front and rear fog lights are tested and fully functional as well. This will help you see and be seen on the road in low visibility conditions.
Brakes
One of the most risky and dangerous things is driving a vehicle without proper working brakes.
One can tell faulty brakes when they make uncharacteristic sounds every time you step on them. They can as well feel spongy, or you’ll feel an increase in braking distance.
Therefore, before you embark on any journey, however short it may be, make sure your brakes are in good condition and working properly.
Look out for brake pad thickness, brake noises and brake disc conditions against glazing and roughness. In wet weather, it takes longer to stop, so you need to be able to rely on your brakes at the slightest demand.
Don’t forget to have enough brake fluid since it facilitates the car braking process.
Battery
Check your battery to make sure it has enough power to start your car in wet conditions.
Car batteries tend to fail suddenly with change in weather and temperature that affects the efficiency of chemical reactions in the battery cells.
It’s prudent to have it checked to avoid any inconveniences of a roadside emergency.
Fluid levels and service schedule
Make sure that your car's fluid levels are topped up, including windshield wiper fluid, oils, and brake fluid.
Ensure your car is having a valid service schedule and all lubrication and cooling systems fully functional. This will avoid surprises along the journey.
You can make use of S-Line Motors Limited which is offering a 10% festive discount on all filters until Monday, 10, April 2023.
Emergency kit
Pack an emergency kit that includes items such as a flashlight, extra batteries, blankets, first aid supplies, a spare tire, reflective emergency warning triangles, jumper cables, extra clothing, and snacks in case you get stranded because of an unexpected car trouble.
Plan ahead
With every aspect of the car in place, another important thing to do is planning for the journey.
Check the weather forecast before starting your journey and plan your route accordingly.
Avoid flooded areas and take extra care when driving through standing water.
Never try to drive through fast flowing streams or flooded roads.
By ensuring that your car is in good condition and equipped for the trip, you'll be able to enjoy your long journey in rainy weather safely and comfortably.
Okello Samuel
B.Eng. Automotive and Power Engineering
Technical Director
S-Line Motors LTD
Plot 6, Ojara Close, Mbuya
https://goo.gl/maps/bEGeVEN7tUVTqHnu8
0779745722 / 0708000888
