Planning a vacation trip: This is how your car makes you fit for the trip!

Planning a vacation trip: This is how your car makes you fit for the trip!

The upcoming summer months bring the time to vacation for many drivers. To ensure that the car is well prepared for the long journeys, it is advisable to carry out a thorough vehicle check. The ÖAMTC technician Florian Merker emphasizes the need for an all-round check to avoid breakdowns and problems during vacation trips before you start your journey home.

Some of the most important points that should be checked before the start include the vehicle lighting, the tires and the condition of the windows. The lighting must be checked to ensure that all lights work. The headlight setting could also need adaptation with a high load to ensure optimal visibility. The slices must also be cleaned thoroughly - inside and outside - and windshield wiper rubbers when wear and tear.

important controls before departure

The engine oil level should not be overlooked, as a low level can lead to severe engine damage. According to Martin Wögerer, Technical expert of the ARBÖ Lower Austria, the cooling fluid level must also be checked. With a loss of more than half a liter, the cooling system should be checked in a workshop. It is also important to check the tire pressure before the departure and to adapt them according to the loading. Purpose tires or those with visible damage should also not be ignored.

The car battery is another critical point, especially older than five years. These should be checked regularly for signs of weakness, since frequent problems such as slow motor starts or weak light can occur. The ADAC guidelines also recommend checking the AdBlue stand for modern diesel vehicles and, if necessary, refill.

air conditioning and brakes in focus

The air conditioning, an often neglected component, should also be maintained regularly to prevent failures in the hot summer months. An annual disinfection is particularly recommended for optimal operation for allergy sufferers. In addition, the brakes must be checked before long journeys to ensure safety on the street.

The ÖAMTC offers various checks, including the holiday, security and chassis check. These checks aim to prepare the vehicle for additional loads on long trips and switch off frequent sources of error. The website of the ÖAMTC provides further information on the technical test services.