Raya is a time of joy and celebration for many Malaysians, but it can also be stressful and frustrating if your car breaks down on the way back home. Breaking down is okay, but some problems may cause accidents.
To avoid these scenarios, checking your car for any signs of trouble before you hit the road is essential. Here are some tips on spotting if your vehicle has problems and what to do about them.
1. Check the fluids. Your car needs various fluids to run smoothly, such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid and transmission fluid. Make sure they are at the right level and not leaking or contaminated. If you notice any low or dirty fluids, top them up or change them as soon as possible.
You can also check the colour and smell of the fluids to see if they are in good condition. For example, engine oil should be brown or black, not milky or metallic, and coolant should be green or orange, not rusty or oily.
2. Check the tires. Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road, so they must be in good shape to ensure a safe and comfortable ride. Check the tire pressure and ensure it matches your car's recommended level. You can find this information on the driver's door jamb, in the owner's manual or online.
Also, check the tire tread and look for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, bulges or nails. You may need to rotate or replace your tires if you notice any uneven or excessive wear. It would be best if you also had a spare tire and a jack in case of emergencies.
3. Check the lights. Your lights are essential for visibility and communication on the road, especially at night or in bad weather. Check your headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights and make sure they are working properly.
If any of them are dim, flickering or not working, you may need to replace the bulb or fuse. You can also clean the lenses with a soft cloth and water to remove any dirt or dust affecting the brightness.
4. Check the brakes. Your brakes are one of your car's most crucial safety features, so you need to make sure they are functioning well. When you apply the brakes, listen for any squeaking, grinding or scraping noises. These could indicate worn or damaged brake pads, rotors or calipers needing replacement.
When pressuring it, consider how your brake pedal feels. If it feels soft, spongy or hard to press, you may have a problem with the brake fluid or master cylinder that needs to be fixed.
5. Check the battery. Your battery provides power to your car's electrical system, such as the starter, ignition and lights. A weak or dead battery can leave you stranded on the road, so you must check it regularly and replace it when necessary. You can use a voltmeter to measure the voltage of your battery and see if it is within the normal range of 12.6 to 12.8 volts when fully charged.
You can also look for any signs of corrosion, leakage or damage on the battery terminals and cables and clean or replace them if needed.
These are some tips on spotting if your car is having problems before you travel back home this Raya. Following these steps, you can prevent any major breakdowns and enjoy a smooth and safe journey home with your loved ones. Stay secure and vigilant on the road.
Oh, and no speeding. As they say, biar lambat asalkan selamat.
Kamarul Azwan is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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