Contact
Before setting off on a journey, check that the vehicle is in the optimum condition to avoid breakdowns en route. Check the following components:
State of the tyres
The tread must be at least 1.6mm deep. Check the pressure and change the tyres if they are over five years old and you have to make a long journey.
Lights and indicators
Check that the headlights, brake lights, indicator lights and reverse lights work.
Seatbelts
Check that they clip and release correctly. When correctly worn, the strap should cross the body from the chest and pass across the lower stomach to the hip.
Wiper blades and windscreens
Check there are no cracks in the windscreen as a slight impact could cause it to break. Check the wiper blades make no noise when working.
Suspicious fumes
If a lot of fumes come from the exhaust pipe, there could be a problem with the fuel feed. If this is the case, check the fuel injection parameters.
Brakes
Check if they make any noise or if the pads or discs grate. Check braking distances, in case they have become excessively long. The pedal should not feel too hard or too spongy.
Steering
Noise or vibration indicates that the steering could be out of alignment. If it takes a lot of effort to turn the steering wheel of a car with assisted steering, there is a problem with the servo drive.
Air conditioning and heating
Check that the air intakes and the heated windscreens demist correctly. If the air conditioning does not cool the car sufficiently, the circuit should be checked by a mechanic.
Fully charged battery
Check the condition of the terminals. Problems starting up are often a sign that the battery is running low.
Fluid levels
Check the levels of the oil, coolants, windscreen cleaner, brake and steering fluids.
Suspension
Suspension components should be replaced every 70,000 kilometres. Strange noises, instability on turns, lengthening stopping distances and excessive rocking of the bodywork are indications that they need changing.
Loading up
Distribute luggage between the boot and the luggage rack. External loads must be covered, while items carried in the car must be well secured, especially small objects like mobile phones.