Public holidays are among the busiest traffic days in Turkey; millions of vehicles hit the road at the same time. Adana sits right in the middle of this movement: it is a junction opening to the Mediterranean coast, to Central Anatolia and to the Southeast. On summer holiday trips, Çukurova's scorching heat is added to the mix; asphalt temperatures rise and the load on the engine and tyres increases. In these conditions, the most effective antidote to breaking down is a short but systematic check before you leave. In this article we go through the items to inspect before a long trip, one by one.
A tyre spinning at high speed for hours on a long trip heats up further on hot asphalt. An under-inflated tyre flexes more, gets hotter and its risk of blowing out increases. So before setting off, check the tyres while they are cold:
On hilly routes, especially over the Taurus passes, the brakes work and heat up continuously. In a car with thinned pads or worn discs, the braking distance grows and the brakes feel like they are "fading" on descents. If the brake pedal feels soft or spongy, or there is vibration or noise when you press it, definitely have it checked before setting off. The brake fluid level should also be reviewed.
A long trip is a marathon in which the engine runs continuously at high revs. If the oil level is low or the oil has passed its life, this marathon wears the engine. Before you leave, check the level on the dipstick; if the colour has darkened greatly and the consistency has degraded, it may be time for a change. Likewise, check the brake fluid, power steering fluid and washer fluid levels. If your next service is close, having it done before a long trip is wise to avoid surprises on the road.
On summer holidays the most critical topic is cooling. Moving slowly in traffic or climbing a hill heats the engine; if the radiator, fan, thermostat or water pump is weak, it will overheat. Check the antifreeze/coolant level while cold and, if it is low, investigate the cause. If the front of the radiator core is clogged with insects and dirt, airflow drops. If the temperature needle on the dashboard rises above the middle, solve this before setting off; an engine overheating in the heat can cause serious damage.
Night driving is common on holidays. Both headlights must work correctly and be properly aligned; on foggy roads with heavy oncoming traffic, make sure the rear fog light and hazard lights work. The battery terminals should be clean and tight. Since the air conditioning runs constantly on a long trip, the electrical load is high; a tired battery may fail to crank at a rest stop. Test the horn, wipers and washer jets too; these small-looking parts save the day in rain.
If the wiper blades leave streaks, replace them; summer downpours hit suddenly in Adana and block visibility. Fill the washer reservoir. Having a warning triangle, a spare bulb and a basic tool kit in the car is both a legal and a practical necessity. Planning breaks on a long trip and resting every 2 hours reduces fatigue-related accidents.
Most of these items complement each other and can be checked quickly by an experienced eye. As Temel Servis, we provide pre-trip checks, brakes, periodic maintenance, air conditioning and auto electrical service for all makes in Seyhan, Adana; and we specialise in Opel and Chevrolet in particular. Booking an appointment before the pre-holiday rush begins lets you get the work done without waiting. You can reach us at Fevzipaşa Mah. 48057. Sk. No:16/A, 01355 Seyhan/Adana or book on 0533 662 01 00. For details you can look at our Adana auto service, periodic maintenance and air conditioning and auto electrical pages.
Ideally, have it checked a few days before departure. That way, if a part needs replacing, it can be handled without a rush and with time to source the part. Coming on the last day may delay the work because of the rush.
Set the pressure while the tyres are cold; but if you will use the car loaded (full boot, all seats taken), use the higher value the manufacturer recommends for "loaded". This value is usually written inside the fuel flap or in the owner's manual.
One of the most common causes on hot days is overheating and cooling system faults; the second is tyre problems from low pressure or wear. Both can be largely prevented with a pre-departure check.
The risk is low in new cars; even so, quick checks like tyre pressure, fluid levels and working lights are useful for every vehicle. Also, if your car is under warranty, it is important to follow the periodic maintenance schedule.
No. A check is a review of the current condition and the detection of risky items; a service is the planned renewal of specific parts. A check is usually enough before a long trip; if the check reveals shortcomings, maintenance or replacement is recommended.