The most frequent car breakdowns on vacation. Can they be avoided?

The worst thing that can happen on a vacation is if your car breaks down - either you don't make it to the vacation you want, or you end up in the middle of nowhere with an angry family and take much longer to get home. However, you can avoid the most common car problems. As? What to check in the car before leaving and what tools to put in the trunk? We advise!

What will you learn from this post?

• What car breakdowns occur most often on the road?
• What tools are needed to fix minor car malfunctions?
• Typical car malfunctions during leisure trips - how to avoid them?

TL, д-

The most common malfunctions that occur during leisure trips include: tire punctures and lighting problems, as well as engine failures due to too low levels of working fluids - engine oil and coolant.

Flat tire

Punctures are becoming less common, especially if the route is mainly on motorways or expressways. Access roads to small towns, especially those located in the mountains or near lakes, can vary. tires are easily damaged on a bumpy road full of sharp stones... Before you go on your holiday tour, make sure there is a spare tire in the trunk or access, the necessary tools (jack and wrench) and tire repair kitwhich comes in handy when you need to get to the vulcanizer in an emergency.

Before the trip also check the tire pressure... This is important because both too low and too high a level negatively affect driving comfort, increase braking distances and lead to faster tire wear. Remember also check the pressure on the spare wheel - may be needed on the road.

Working fluids - engine oil, brake and coolant, washer fluid.

The list of items that must be checked before a long trip also includes working fluids. Preparing the car for the road, check the levels of engine oil, brake fluid and coolant, and washer fluid... As you probably remember from the driving course, their optimal level is between the minimum and maximum points. If refueling is required, try to fill the gap with a liquid with the same properties.

Machine oil

Even if the engine oil level is normal or you have recently topped up, pack a liter bottle with a suitable "lubricant" in the trunk.... If, while driving, a warning light on the dashboard lights up to indicate that the oil level is too low, stop the car immediately. Let the engine cool down, then add lubricant. However, do not put off a visit to the workshop - any oil leaks can be dangerous, especially in summer and on the road, when the engine is subjected to significant stress.

Coolant

A car on the side of the road and puffs of steam coming out from under the hood is a typical holiday picture. Especially in older vehicles, the so-called boiling liquid in the radiator can be a common malfunction on summer trips... If, while driving, the coolant warning light comes on on the dashboard even after refilling, most likely a leak in the cooling system... Park in a safe place, wait for the engine to cool down (steam escaping from the radiator can cause severe burns!), And then check the condition of the coolant.

Minor leaks, such as a broken rubber hose, can be secured with duct tape or reinforced tape. There are also so-called liquid or powder cooler sealants - they are added to the radiator or expansion tank, and then the liquid level is topped up. A faulty cooling system must be unloaded while driving, inclusion of hot air in the cabin.

Engine overheating

Insufficient engine oil or coolant can be hazardous as it can overheat the engine. This malfunction it often happens on the roadwhen the drive unit is constantly running at high speed. This is signaled by the corresponding indicator or engine temperature indicator, alarmingly moving towards the red field. In the event of disk overheating, responsiveness is paramount. – Stop the machine immediately and then wait ten (or even several dozen) minutes for the entire system to cool down. The reasons for a sharp increase in engine temperature can be different: the indicated shortage of working fluids, failure of the water pump or thermostat or failure of the cylinder head gasket... If the situation reoccurs after adding coolant, contact a mechanic as soon as possible.

Lighting failure

Before you go on tour also check car lighting... It is a small but important element to improve driving safety, especially at night. It is recommended to carry it in the trunk. a set of bulbs for the most important lanterns: low beam, road, stop and turn signals. They will also come in handy on the road. spare fuses – thanks to this precaution, you will not have to look for refueling in an emergency. If the fuse of an important element - wipers or headlights - blows while driving - replace it with an accessorysuch as radio. However, pay attention to its color, that is, to the corresponding amperage.

When planning a trip on vacation, prepare not only luggage and summer equipment, but also a car. Pack essential tools in the trunk, check tire pressure, lights, and supplies levels. Breakdowns happen to every driver - but in well-maintained, regularly serviced cars, they happen much less often.

On avtotachki.com you can find bulbs, engine oil or coolant, and auto parts. Good way!

You can read more about preparing a car for a trip in our blog:

Picnic - learn how to prepare your car for a trip

How do I transport water sports equipment by car?

What tools should I carry with me in my car in the event of a breakdown?

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