Many of us will be taking day trips and longer journeys across Ireland. Before your mind wanders to scenic trips along the west coast, it’s important to ensure your car is ready and prepared for the longer journeys the summer months may ask of it.
Now is a great time to give your car the once over, inside and out – especially if you plan on clocking up the miles during your summer holidays. To help you make sure your car is summer-ready, the AA Rescue team have put together a quick checklist of the most important checks to carry out on your car.
Tyres
Your tyres keep you on the straight and narrow so it pays to look after them. Now is the time to check the tread depth on all four of them – while the legal minimum is 1.6mm, we recommend no less than 3mm for safe driving. Don’t forget to check the tyres for signs of wear and tear too, and consult a tyre specialist if you have any concerns.
Finally, top them up with air. You can do this at many petrol stations or invest in a portable tyre inflator to carry with you – check your manual or search online to find out the right tyre pressure for your car’s make and model.
Oh, and make sure you have a spare if there’s space for one in your vehicle.
Oil
If you want to keep your car running smoothly, you need to do a regular check of the quantity and condition of the oil in your engine – monthly and before any long journey. Make sure you have enough oil – and that it’s in good nick – by using the dipstick in your engine. Park on level ground and make sure the engine has been off for a few minutes to let it cool and settle. Locate and remove the dipstick, wipe clean with a cloth and replace it fully. Then pull it out and check the oil level against the markings on the stick.
These vary from engine to engine but you should be able to see two marks – high and low. If the oil level is between the two marks then you have no problem. If it’s below the lower mark then add some oil – make sure to check which type is right for your car. Be sure not to overfill the engine as this can get very messy.
Coolant
The principles above also apply for engine coolant – it keeps things cool in summer and acts as antifreeze in winter so it’s very important to keep track of how much you have.
Screen wash and wipers
Top up your screen wash reservoir before any long journey, and keep some in the boot in case you ever run out. Here’s a tip – decant some into a small bottle so you can leave the big jug at home.
Take a close look at your windscreen wipers too – if they are causing streaks or smears as they wipe, or if you can see any damage to the rubber, then it’s time to replace them.
Satnav
When is the last time you updated your satnav? You should really do it every three to six months, as road layouts can change and new developments and roads are being built or altered all the time. It’s also important to do so before a big trip.
If you have the manual handy, it will take you through the process of updating your maps. If not, head to the manufacturer’s website for instructions and downloads. You may need to register first, so have your device’s serial number handy. You’ll also need a USB connector for your device – if you’ve lost yours you should be able to find a replacement on the manufacturer’s website or by searching online.
Hand wash and valet
We all like to think we keep our car spick and span but let’s be honest – it doesn’t always work like that. Why not take the opportunity to treat your motor to a thorough clean – inside and out?
Take it to a high quality valeting service for a professional job that will leave the interior and boot spotless and fragrant. Finish the job with a hand wash and wax – many firms will do both for a single fee.
AA Membership covers you 24/7 whether you’re a driver or a passenger, meaning that we cover YOU, not your car. Our patrols fix 8 out of 10 of our members’ cars on the roadside.
