before you head off. Unfortunately
the cars' readiness is often overlooked
and can turn a break into heartbreak.
fuel consumption and run the risk of doing
some expensive damage to your car. That's
why we've put together the ultimate checklist
for fun on the run.
top travelling condition by doing some
self maintenance.
tant safety features of your car. Bald
and unevenly worn tyres can get you
sliding out of control pretty quickly
and reduce your braking ability. There
are 3 main areas to check
ridges. When the tyres are worn the
ridges become smooth. To check how
much the rubber has worn, place a
match stick in between the ridges. If the
head of the match stick is taller than the
rubber then your tyres are worn and you
may need new ones. Check all 4 tyres as
well as the spare. And if you don't have
a spare tyre in the boot, get one as soon
as you can.
pressure for your car is printed on a placard
often found on the driver's door sill. It will
also be in your car's handbook. Remove the
caps and add air to the correct pressure.
You will need to do this for all 4 tyres as well
as the spare. If you do not have any caps over
the valve, you can buy some from your
local auto shop. The caps help the air stay in
your tyres.
wheels getting out of alignment. To check,
drive the car slowly in a straight line down a
quite fl at street. Loosely hold the steering
wheel. If the car tends to steer to the right or
the left then your wheels may be out of
alignment. Take it to your local service
centre where they will adjust it for you.
Put it back in the hole fully and pull it out
again to see the oil level. If it's reading low,
top up your oil using the correct grade as
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Check your oil when your car is slightly
warmed up.
screen symbol on it. Simply pull off the cap
and fi ll with clean water. You can also add
a windscreen washer fl uid which gives it an
even better clean.
freeway of adventure, but what about
you and your passengers?
and make sure they are covered under
the car owner's insurance policy. Plan
your stops and your driver changes. It
to have a rest. Each time a new driver gets
in, get them to take a couple of minutes to
adjust the seat, rear view mirror and side
mirror.
some road snacks including fruit, lollies, mints
and sandwiches. Pack plenty of water and insist
on the driver drinking it. The more they drink
the more you will stop for a "nature call", which
gives everyone a break. Remember the driver
is the key to getting you to your destination
safely so be prepared to let them have a greater
say in the music.
Managing Director of HerCar.com.au,
Australia's fi rst car website for women.
you can check yourself
before you head off.