Even though the train or plane can be convenient (and in some cases necessary, depending on the destination), there are many families who choose to travel by car for their summer vacation. For us Saab car owners, this is even more pronounced, because we like to drive Saabs and enjoy long drives (especially owners of Saab convertibles).
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“To be prepared is half the victory.”
Therefore, having to face a journey, sometimes demanding, it is always the case to subject the vehicle to a series of checks to avoid any malfunctions. So where to start? We assume that your Saab car has been regularly serviced or that it has just been serviced: which is a desirable condition compared to a car that is going on a long journey.
On the contrary, some decide to perform regular annual car servicing after long journeys. However, it is recommended that you perform a regular service before the trip if the deadline is approaching – because that way you will detect and prevent potential problems.
Cleaning and Checks
As far as care is concerned, a clean interior and bodywork are the minimum requirements for facing a long journey. Moreover, the opportunity is perfect for freeing the trunk and passenger space from all the unnecessary items.
If you are traveling in high temperatures, consider that the air conditioner will be running all the time in your car, so you should think about cleaning it and possibly refilling it with freon.
After doing some cleaning, it is essential to check and replace the wiper blades if necessary. Also check the functionality of all lights, both external and internal.
Coolant and Engine Oil
You need the right amount of coolant in your cooling system to keep up with the summer heat. Of course, in addition to this liquid, it is also mandatory to check the amount of oil in the engine.
With the hood open, then, it is advisable to check the fluid levels: oil (for cars that still have the dipstick), coolant and brake fluid: refer to the use and maintenance manual of the car. And don’t forget to fill up the windshield washer fluid tank, preferably by adding the special detergent.
Tire Check
It is also essential to check the pressure of the tires, the value of which must be adjusted according to the travel conditions: at full, medium or low load. As you go from one tire to another with the pressure gauge, also check the condition of the hips to discover any damage or swelling.
Any lateral deformation of the tires is not allowed, as well as possible tire cuts, because at higher speeds they can lead to a sudden loss of tire pressure.
Finally, take a look at the spare wheel (if any) and the repair kit. If you intend to mount (or have already mounted) an additional storage box on the roof, check once again that the attachments are properly tightened. Instead of a box on the roof, some of us also carry bicycles, so they also need to be properly secured.
Although all manufacturers of additional equipment for carrying bicycles on the roof, such as the Swedish company Thule, have excellent fastening mechanisms – we recommend that you additionally secure everything with plastic tie straps.
