If you are planning to hit the roads soon, do not just rely on your driving skills. Merely superior driving skills won’t warrant a smooth ride.
Also, instead of claiming a car insurance UAE, it is better to be safe. To ensure a hassle-free adventure on the city roads, here’s a quick rundown of the things that you need to take care of-
Check the following –
– Engine oil
– Power steering fluid
– Coolant
– Wiper fluid
– Transmission fluid
– Brake Oil
– Differential fluid
– Clutch Plates (If it is an old car)
You can get them changed or get a top-up done to the recommended levels as mentioned in your car manual.
1. Check the Belts and Hoses
Some basic maintenance tips can help prevent belt and hose failure. Failure of any of them can overheat your engine, leading to malfunction of power steering and battery discharge.
Engine overheating isn’t only an expensive affair; it can leave you stranded on your road-trip. If a hose leaks coolant, the cooling system becomes inoperable.
Though new cars have a single belt, in old cars, there are more than one engine belts. Inspect your car belts regularly for wear and tear.
How to do it? Turn the belt to one side to check the surface. You should replace it if it is frayed or broken.
Also, check the heater and radiator hoses. If they look puffed-up or cracked, immediately replace them.
2. Inspect the Car Tyres
The condition of your car tyres plays an important role in avoiding any mishap. But, when is the right time to replace them?
If the depth of the tread is lesser than 1.6 mm or you see any cracks or cuts in the sidewall, you should get your tyres replaced. Also, get wheel-alignment done if you see any uneven tread.
Use a calibrated gauge to measure the tyre pressure. Do not forget to check the spare tyre as it will come handy if one of the tyres is damaged. If there are any weather or route-specific suggestions for tyre pressure, you should consider them as well.
3. Inspect the Air Filters
When was the last time you changed the air filter of your engine? If you’d check it now, you will probably find so much dirt and debris in there that you will have to replace it.
It is the right time to check your cabin’s air filters as well and replace them if they are dirty – if you want to breathe quality air.
4. Battery Health
Your car batteries can last for 3 to 5 years. You can find the battery charge with the help of a voltmeter. If the battery charge drops down to 12 volts, your battery needs replacement.
Check the battery terminal for corrosion, dirt, cable damage, and loose connections. If you find some dirt or any impact of corrosion, do not fret – you can remove it with a mix of water and baking soda. In case of damaged terminals, battery replacement is inevitable.
5. Lights and Wipers Should Be In Good Working Condition
While testing your car lights, make sure that the lights are in good working condition and the wipers give you a clear view ahead.
Check both the low and high beam of the headlights. Test the taillights and brake lights too. It is advisable to conduct the test at night.
In case something is not functioning, you can get it fixed at one of the workshops.
6. Assess the Brake-Pads
You could check if the brake pedal has turned soft after replacing the fluid. In case you are not sure about the replacement, call up a mechanic for a check-up.
However, thorough preparation and maintenance of your car before your road trip still does not guarantee a trouble-free ride.
So, pack a roadside safety kit and ensure that you have roadside assistance cover as part of your car insurance in UAE.
7. Check the Suspension System
Check the struts, shocks and coil springs of your car. The suspension of your car absorbs the shock from bumps in the road. It offers you a comfortable ride and keeps you safe.
Go for a test drive. If the suspension bottoms out while pulling back out of a driveway, let your mechanic have a look at the struts, shocks and the coil springs. The same goes if your car does a nose dive when you press accelerator or apply brakes.
Over to you!
Now your car is ready for the upcoming road trip! But, if you are planning to drive to some of the neighboring countries in the UAE, check if your car insurance policy offers you extended geographic coverage. Car insurance companies in UAE also provide off-road assistance. But you have to get this done at the time of policy purchase.
So, if you drive often to the deserts make sure you have off-road cover. If your current motor insurance policy doesn’t provide it, you can consider switching your insurer and choose a plan that provides you with the coverage you need.