Driving The Car On Holidays?
AA Warns On Maintenance For Older Cars
Don’t suffer a breakdown on holiday if you don't have to. Driving long distances on holiday can leave the driver prone to fatigue and the car prone to breakdown. It's important to keep the car serviced and maintained, especially for cars that are more than three years old.
With new car sales down by 65% so far in 2009 many thousands of motorists are keeping their cars longer than they originally planned. This makes perfect sense in the current economy but as cars get older the need for maintenance and the risk of breakdown increase markedly.
Drivers of cars over 4 years of age are three times as likely to call out the AA than drivers of cars under 2 years old. As our vehicles get older we expect to see an increased number of call outs for age-related problems, and we are just beginning to see those effects now.
Batteries have a finite life span and would normally need to be replaced after four to five years. AA attends 150,000 call outs per year with battery and electrical problems between them accounting for nearly half of all incidents. The risk of battery failure is twice as high for a four year old car than for a one year old car.
Tyres will usually last no more than 40-50,000 kilometres before they need to be changed. It is important to check them thoroughly to make sure that they are not damaged or worn and that they are inflated correctly.
Age related car breakdowns are on the increase and not just because of the economy. The top year for car sales was 2000 when there were 235,000 new registrations (there won’t be a third of that this year). Those cars are still out there, a population bulge of vehicles that are now nine years old.
The AA advises that older cars can give perfectly good service provided they are cared for, but you must not neglect servicing and should have cover in case they do break down which is inevitable eventually.
The recommendation is that you stick to servicing at manufacturer's recommended intervals. This usually requires a service every 16,000 to 18,000 kilometres, which for the majority of people means once per year.
AA’s Ten Checks for Car Health:
Carried out regularly these checks will reduce the risk of breakdown and, in many cases, improve your safety too. It is also essential to have your vehicle serviced at the manufacturer's recommended intervals.
Tyres
Having the wrong tyre pressures will affect handling, braking and fuel consumption. The correct pressures will be specified in the car’s handbook, which may also recommend higher pressures when carrying heavier loads. Check your tyre pressures at least fortnightly, and inspect the tyres for cuts, bulges or uneven or excessive tread wear. Don’t forget to check the spare wheel and make sure that you know where to find the jack and basic toolkit as well – you may need them!
Battery
Most batteries are sealed for life and require no maintenance. They have a life of four to five years but its best to replace them in good time. The demand on the battery is greater during the winter months, which is when flat batteries are most common. Make sure that leads and contacts are kept clean, and if problems persist its likely to need replacement.
Engine oil level
Oil is vital to engine lubrication and cooling. Check the dipsick, with the car level and the engine cold, at least once a fortnight and before long journeys. The car’s handbook will tell you where to find the dipstick and oil filler cap. If the car seems to be using too much oil it may indicate engine problems and should be checked out by a garage.
Coolant level
The coolant is typically a 50:50 mix of water and antifreeze. Check the levels regularly and top up as necessary – but only with the engine cold to avoid scalding. The car handbook will show how and where to check the level. Get a garage to check the anti-freeze concentration before winter to ensure that there is adequate protection against freezing. Antifreeze also prevents the build up of corrosion, which can cause overheating and is important all year round.
Wipers
Windscreen wiper blades wear down over time and can smear or damage the windscreen if they become worn. Replace them at least once a year to get the best performance. Replacement kits often have universal fittings, but you must use the right adaptor to secure it properly.
Screenwash
A working screenwash is a legal requirement, so check and top it up regularly. Use a good screenwash additive at the recommended concentrations. Do not use washing up liquid as it smears. Water alone will not clear oily road grime and freezes more easily in winter.
Windscreen
Any kind of windscreen damage may impair vision and distract attention, and can also make the windscreen dangerously weak in a crash. Inspect your windscreen regularly and replace a cracked or chipped screen as soon as possible. Some minor chips can be repaired by a windscreen specialist. Clean the inside of the screen regularly, particularly in autumn and winter to reduce the blinding effect of the low sun.
Lights
Fully operating lights help to ensure that you can see and be seen and are a legal requirement at all times. Its worth carrying a spare set of bulbs. Check all lights regularly, with someone to help you if necessary. Don’t forget to include indicators, brake lights and fog lights. Lights pick up road dirt, particularly during winter. Wipe them with a cloth or newspaper to keep them clean.
Power steering
Most modern cars have power steering either electrically or hydraulically operated. If its a hydraulic system then ensure the fluid level is checked at every service and check it yourself once a month. Top up only with hydraulic fluid as advised in the car’s handbook.
Brake fluid level
With the car parked on level ground the brake fluid level should be between the ‘min’ and ‘max’ marks on the reservoir. Refer to the car’s handbook to find out where the reservoir is and what specification of brake fluid to use. Brake fluid absorbs water from the atmosphere and this, over time, can affect braking performance and cause corrosion. The fluid should be flushed through and replaced by a garage every two to three years. Fluid levels are affected by the wear on the brake pads; if it is losing fluid and needs regular topping up then have the car checked by a garage urgently.