How to prepare your car for the Holy Week drive

Holy Week has arrived. This means there will be a mass exodus of families living in the city heading toward their respective provinces. It also means it's the ideal time to run out of town and fully use the 5-day holiday.

With many people planning to travel, we have created a quick list of things you need to check on your car before you set off on your Holy Week adventure.

Check your fluids

Ensure your car is topped up on vital fluids, such as oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid, to avoid any inconveniences you may encounter during travel. Check their levels and top off any fluids below where they should be. 

If you encounter any leaks with your vehicle, fix them immediately, as they could cause more problems. Remember that a long road trip is taxing on your car as it will have to encounter high speeds, an increased load, and heat from traffic. 

Check your car’s electronics

Ensure that your car’s electronics are in order and address any dashboard warning lights present before the trip. Check your lights, too, to see if they are all working, and replace any bulbs or light pieces that are worn out.

Remember that your lights must be clean and in working order for your safety, especially at night.

Check your brake pads, belts, and hoses

Check on your brake pads, belts, and hoses. Remember that your brake pads are responsible for stopping your car. If these are worn out, it is highly recommended that you replace them right away with a new set.

The same goes for any belts found in your engine bay. If you see that they are dried out and have cracks in them, it is highly recommended that you replace them, as these cracks can grow over time. Remember that your engine bay is hot and can dry out rubber components over time. 

Check your tires

Before you set off on your road trip, ensure your tires are in good condition. Do a visual inspection and check on the tread. You can drive away confidently if the wear indicator bump is still far from the tire tread. However, if they are level with one another, it's time to replace the tire.

Please make sure to do an air pressure check for your tires too. If you find them to be low, then fill them up with air. Depending on the car, a tire pressure of about 35 PSI will do you well on your journey, providing the right balance for fuel efficiency and handling.

Of course, you can still set your tires to your desired pressure. Just make sure you don’t overinflate your them. Rule of thumb: refer to the tire pressure label on the door latch located at the B-pillar and apply what the manufacturer recommends for your vehicle's wheel size.

Once you’ve checked all these things and made sure your car is in a road-worthy condition, you can set off on your road trip without any worries. Have a safe trip!