10 Checks Before Heading to the Sea
Summer vacation starts at home. These ten minutes of car inspection can save you nerves, time, and money on the road.
Summer vacation starts at home. These ten minutes of car inspection can save you nerves, time, and money on the road.
Summer vacation should begin without stress or unpleasant surprises. Unfortunately, it's precisely during heatwaves and long trips that breakdowns occur, which could have been avoided with a simple pre-departure check. Davor Kindy for Automania brings a list of ten key items every driver should inspect before heading to the coast or on a longer journey.
The first and most basic check concerns the tires. You need to inspect the tread depth, look for any cracks or damage, and determine if all four tires are evenly worn. Don't forget the spare tire, if your car has one. Equally important is the tire pressure, which should be checked when the tires are cold. You can find the manufacturer's recommended values on the sticker on the door frame or in the vehicle manual. When the car is fully loaded with passengers and luggage, you'll typically need to increase the tire pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Extended driving in high temperatures puts extra strain on the engine, so the engine oil level is crucial. Check it using the dipstick, and if it's below the minimum, top it up with oil of the correct specification. There's also the coolant, whose level must be between the MIN and MAX marks. Please note: do not open the expansion tank cap while the engine is hot, as there's a risk of hot fluid spraying out under pressure.
Before your trip, make sure the air conditioning cools sufficiently. If the AC blows lukewarm air or has an unpleasant odor, servicing should be done before you leave for vacation. Summer brings sudden storms, insects, and dust, so worn wiper blades can significantly reduce visibility. Also, top up the windshield washer fluid reservoir. During the day, proper lighting is crucial, so check the low beams, high beams, parking lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights.
Always keep enough drinking water in the car for all passengers. It's advisable to bring paper towels, wet wipes, sunglasses, and a basic first-aid kit. Many drivers only check if they have a spare tire or a temporary repair kit and the appropriate tools for changing a wheel when a problem occurs-so do it before you set off. A mobile phone is indispensable today for navigation, calls, and traffic information, so check that the charger works and is compatible with your device.
To make the journey as pleasant as possible, fill up with fuel before entering the highway and plan a break every two to three hours. Never leave children or pets alone in the car. To avoid the hottest part of the day, plan your travel for early morning or late evening. Before departing, check your route for congestion or roadworks.
Most summer breakdowns are not accidental. They're usually caused by small things drivers overlook before the trip. A quick few-minute check can prevent engine overheating, tire blowouts, AC failures, or other issues that could ruin the start of your vacation. A prepared car ensures a safer, more comfortable, and worry-free journey.
