7 things to check in your car before a long drive – FRSC

1. Engine oil:

This is the lifeblood of the the engine. Engine oil needs to be changed as recommended in your vehicle manual as it becomes less efficient over time

2. Engine coolant: 

This is essentially a combination of antifreeze and water. Antifreeze does help to prevent the coolant from freezing during subzero temperatures.. but the chemicals in antifreeze (ethylene glycol) actually increase the boiling point of water which also helps to prevent engines from overheating.

3. Windscreen washer fluid:

It is often neglected and only noticed when you really need it. The last thing you want is to be traveling on a road you don’t know with smears on the windscreen making it difficult to see.

4. Brake fluid: 

Similarly to the engine coolant system, the brake system should be a sealed unit. Spongy brake pedal or frequent top-ups of brake fluid may indicate a leak in the system, or degraded fluid in the system that requires draining and replacing.

5. Battery:

If your car is quite new, then this shouldn’t be an issue. A car battery lasts from around four years onward. There’s not really a specific time when they need replacing as it’s dependent on various factors such as quality of the battery, driving habits – frequent short drives can lessen a battery’s life and colder climates may shorten a battery’s lifespan.

6. Tyres:

Check all tyres to ensure your vehicle remains legal and stable whilst driving.