DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS?
Many of us haven’t driven far beyond our own counties for the past year, and that means we might not have been paying as much attention as usual to our cars. It’s entirely possible a full tank of petrol has lasted weeks during restricted lockdown travel and you’ve got out of the habit of checking the fuel gauge, so the first thing to do before you head off to your mammy in Cork or Donegal is to fill up.
Beyond that, there are a few things you should check in advance. For starters, familiarise yourself with what all the warning symbols on your dashboard mean – there are plenty of sites online that show the full list, so Google them!
To ward off problems, though, check your oil level, coolant level water bottle and screen wash. After all the rain we’ve had recently, the country is sodden, and the last thing you need is to get stuck behind a tractor throwing up mud and not be able to clean the windscreen.
Check the tread depth of your tyres and look out for general wear and tear, splits and bulges and also check your tyre pressure. This is especially important if the car has spent long periods just sitting in the driveway.
Make sure you have enough brake fluid and also remember to allow more space between you and any vehicle ahead, as stopping distances increase in the wet.
Make sure you always have a pair of good sunglasses in the car; it’s surprising how easily you can be blinded and the visor alone is not enough with the sun so low in the sky.
Also ensure your lights are working and battery terminals are clean and tight.
Wash the car before setting out on a long journey and give it a clean too – that McDonald’s carton you chucked in the back seat last week really should be in the bin.
If you’re not already a member, consider joining a breakdown service and, if needed, make sure to respect social distancing when the van arrives to give you a dig out.
Finally, make sure you have a decent supply of masks in the car for all the family, especially if you know you’ll have to stop en route for food or the loo!