Are you going on a road trip, driving holiday or just want your car or 4WD checked over by a reliable mechanic to ensure it is in a safe and secure condition? Pre-holiday safety inspections are vital in maintaining your vehicle and keeping your family safe on the roads this Christmas.
Vehicle safety inspection checklist for Victorian drivers
Unfortunately, small faults can cause a lot of damage and they are not always visible to the trained eye. In addition to routine maintenance and repair with your local Melbourne mechanic, drivers can use the following checklist to reduce the risk of an accident or breakdown.
Cooling system
Melbourne heat can be extreme. If you have an older vehicle, there’s a good chance that your radiator is made of moulded plastic and aluminium. All radiator hoses should be checked to avoid a blow up.
Brake fluid
Understanding why your vehicle needs brake fluid is important to understand the importance of changing it. Brake fluid is found in the brake cylinder reservoir which is used to transfer force into pressure in order to create a braking force. The brake fluid should be maintained between the ‘Add/Min’ and ‘Full/Max’ markers on the notch. If the fluid is not maintained, it can lead to brake failure when the fluid begins to boil, putting stress on the brakes and decreasing its functionality. We recommend testing your brake fluid, coolant and water pump.
Tyres
When is the last time your car or 4WD had a tyre check? Quality tyres and even tread are essential. If you have uneven tread, it could indicate that there is an issue with steering or suspension components. Check your tyre pressure regularly as tyre wear can be caused by under or over inflation.
Steering, suspension and brakes
Steering, suspension and brakes are a specialty area and best left to experienced automotive mechanics. At Prorepair, we’ll look at your brake pads and check for brake wear, adjustment of handbrake and any hydraulic leaks. We’ll also look for any brake hose cracks and check for hydroscopic moisture in the brake fluid. Steering components – including tie rod ends and rack and pinion – should be checked for wear and tear along with any power steering oil leaks. Suspension components, including shock absorbers, must be checked as they keep the vehicle from bouncing around.
Battery
If your battery is three years old or over and you are planning a long road trip, we recommend buying the best battery you can afford. When it comes to vehicle batteries, you get what you pay for. We also recommend getting your drive belts and charge rate checked.
Oil and filter
If you have a turbo vehicle, we recommend getting the best oil you can afford. The same goes for filters. At Prorepair, we’ll also ensure your transmission/gear box oils and differential oil are in good shape.
Lights
Check that all your lights work. Make sure your headlights are focused and your high beam isn’t too blinding. Inspect your interior lights, number plate lights and hazard lights.
Air conditioning
If you’re hitting Victorian roads during summer, your car or 4WD’s air conditioning system will get a workout. Regular servicing of your air conditioning system ensures it remains in top condition when you need it. Air conditioning is an essential service that all car owners should consider every few years.
Tuning and emissions
We recommend a thorough scan to ensure your vehicle is tuned and running efficiently. At Prorepair, our experts will check fuel trims and oxygen/air fuel ratios.
Warning lights
Warning lights are installed in vehicles for a reason. We do not recommend going on a long trip when you have an engine, abs, air bag or any other light on. Ignore these warning lights and you could get into trouble during your trip. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Join RACV
We recommend joining the Royal Automotive Club of Victoria (RACV). Their towing service alone is worth the joining fee. When you are a member of RACV, you are covered for basic roadside assistance in Victoria.
Stay safe on the roads with Prorepair
Don’t leave things to chance. Let Prorepair give you peace of mind that your vehicle will run smoothly for you, your family and everyone on the roads. Our professionally trained mechanics are equipped with the latest diagnostic scanning tools and repair equipment. We are your local experts in car, 4WD and light truck mechanical repairs and are committed to helping Victorians stay safe on the roads. With two locations in North Melbourne, our highly skilled team of mechanics have many decades of experience in the industry. We are members of the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce’s A-grade Automotive Network, a group of elite auto repairers throughout Victoria dedicated to providing a high-quality experience across all aspects of vehicle maintenance and repairs. We receive regular audits from the VACC. It’s our experience, expertise, resources and can-do approach that sets us apart from our competitors.
Booking a pre-holiday vehicle safety inspection in Melbourne
If you would like to book a pre-holiday safety inspection or learn more about our services, please contact us or visit our experienced technicians. You can also send us an email or phone us on (03) 9326 5795 or (03) 9329 4461.
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