21/08/2020
Going on a holiday drive once meant nothing more complicated that making some sandwiches, filling up the Thermos, attaching the canvas water bag to the front of the car, and a quick stop at the servo.
The simple reason here was that hardly anyone actually had a car designed to go anywhere else but across the blacktop. It took time for the 4x4 market to really gain traction for the Mr and Mrs Jones in suburbia, but now dedicated and “proper” off-roading is available to anyone that wants to.
This means the preparation required for taking a 4x4 on a holiday can be a bit more involved. Sure, you can still have the sandwiches and Thermos, however the car will need some pre-trip work.
Tyres. Tyre pressures can be the contributor to failures if not correct. On the sidewalls of the tyres, or perhaps on a sticker in the door recesses will be the required information. Pressures are measured PSI or pounds per square inch and when a tyre is filled with air it should be on a cold tyre.
If you’re planning on doing some real off-roading, as in heading out to “the outback”, it’s worth talking to a dedicated off-road tyre supplier. The tip here is because some tyres may be better suited for certain areas and conditions.
Engine and Radiator. The engine can be thought of, in context, like a human being. If we walk around and don’t run, and are wearing light clothing, we’ll sweat a little but that sweat will be able to evaporate easily. However, if we do the same and wear heavy clothing, we’ll work harder and sweat more.
A car’s engine will work harder if there is a heavy load, as in passengers and camping equipment. Therefore the cooling factor needs to be considered. Engine oil can be easily checked for condition and levels, and if it’s black and even a bit “on the nose”, a change of oil would be a good idea.
Radiator fluids should be as per the manufacturer’s specifications. Again, levels and colour can be easily checked. It’s worth, too, checking for leaks by running the engine for around ten minutes and doing so over an area that can easily allow for visual checking for spots underneath or on and around the engine itself.
Windscreen. It may read as an area not to be considered but a dirty windscreen can be a dangerous thing to live with. Minute scratches scatter light and a dirty screen will obscure vision, especially if driving into direct sunlight.
Making sure the wipers are new, the fluid reservoir is full, and the windows have been properly cleaned, will go a long way to making sure driving safety is high.
Trip Planning. This should be a no-brainer. For any dedicated 4x4 drive, not only does the vehicle have to be ready, it has to be ready for the terrain it’s expected to handle. Each state has a tourist bureau and these, along with 4x4 driving clubs, can provide information that can make a trip fun, enjoyable, and exciting.
Pre-planned stops for fuel, toilet breaks, tourism sights, can all be factored into a trip that can give you the best out of your 4x4, as long as the car itself also has been properly prepared.
The Garage Miami is your one-stop-shop for upgrades and information. Give us a call on 07 5572 1711 so we can answer your questions.
