IT is simmering hot these days and the bad news is that next month will be even hotter- according to the weather forecasters.
The sweltering hot weather really affects all our lives—from the time you wake up to the time you go to sleep. Not only that, it also affects our pockets since added use of our air conditioners are needed significantly.
In order to escape the heat in the metropolis, many took time to go to the provinces or to a distant place outside of the city where the weather is pretty much cooler. And when going out of town, it really helps a lot if you pay a visit first to your favorite automotive center where you can have your car checked for its road reliability.
You never go on a long trip without having your car checked first. This is very important if you don’t want to later regret when your car suddenly conks out of nowhere. A simple check on the amount of coolant would go a long way in preserving coolness in your engine too – among others.
Another important thing to also check are your tire pressures. Going on a long trip puts pressure on your tires, especially during hot weather.
Remember that a properly inflated tire will provide longer life, a smoother ride, quick steering response, and of course, better fuel efficiency.
One good advice also is never drive on over-inflated tires. You are not going to race with the other cars in going to your destination. Over-inflation can result in premature wear, decreased impact absorption, and even decreased traction. If you experience a bumpy ride, chances are your tires are overinflated.
Yes, you should also check on the car’s air conditioning. Simple cleaning is sometimes needed to get the coolness of your car back again. This is very important since not only you but all of your occupants would surely suffer the sweltering heat on the road while traveling if your aircon suddenly conked out without warning.
I learned my lesson well when I brought my little kids to Tagaytay for a summer vacation onboard the old family car. Because of the long traffic, the water temperature suddenly went up and I had to turn off the aircon just to reach an auto shop along the way. After the water temperature was fixed, the aircon suddenly stopped working and that needs to be fixed up next. It was found out that the aircon is too clogged up and it needs to be taken down for cleaning. It took us several hours at the shop while it was being fixed.
There’s no short-cut to having your car prepped up for a long drive. You really need time to have it serviced by a reliable shop, even if it is a brand-new one, before bringing it out to a distant summer vacation of your choice.
Anyway, it’s just spending 1 to 2 hours at the shop to check your car and those precious hours are needed in order for you not to suffer later on while you are already on the road. It is not only you who will suffer but also all your occupants as well.
