4 review tips for taking the road on vacation

NGK lists the main car care for the driver to pay attention when it comes to the year-end trip

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São Paulo, December 2022 - The holidays are coming and many people will enjoy to travel. NGK points out what care the driver needs to take with the vehicle and driving, Yet, it is essential to review the car to avoid unforeseen events. The overhaul of brakes, tires, monkeys and other items more "in sight" of the driver is already a common practice. Nonetheless, there are other components that can impair the vehicle's proper functioning and serve as indicators of the engine's internal conditions.

"The visible part of the car is always remembered at maintenance time, but the mechanical parts are not so noticeable and this can become an impediment", explains Hiromori Mori, Technical Assistance Consultant of the NGK, Japanese multinational specialist in spark plugs and ignition cables. According to the expert, it is indispensable to do a full check with a reliable mechanic at least once a year. In order to help the driver to hit the road safely and avoid unforeseen, NGK has drawn up a list of the main recommendations of what cannot be missed in the holiday review.

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Check out the four tips from NGK:

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1. Stay tuned for fuel quality

Road stations are a convenience for drivers, but the ideal is always to supply the vehicle in reliable stations. Low-quality fuel can cause long-term inconvenience, even if it's just to fill the tank.

"The fuel must be analyzed carefully. When refueling at the usual station, if the vehicle has a problem, you can identify the cause more easily. The fuel effect is cumulative and may not be caused by the last stop", alert Mori.

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2. Check the components of the ignition system

Of fundamental importance for engine operation, ignition system components should be prioritised during the review of the, to be carried out according to the vehicle manual - every 10,000 kilometers or annually. "When worn, candles, cables and coils can cause serious setbacks, especially on the road, as increased fuel consumption, difficulty in starting and resuming speed, performance loss and idling instability", relates Mori.

Thus, NGK's guidance is to start checking the system from the spark plug, the only part located inside the combustion chamber that is easy to remove. "A simple visual analysis of the part allows you to identify the state of the engine, mainly in relation to the possible use of poor quality fuel, infiltration of oil and coolant into the combustion chamber", explains the consultant.

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3. Choose the workshop well

Search for the references of the workshop that will review and do not decide only by price or proximity. "There was a change in the relationship with the workshops, so much so that today many customers make their choice based on testimonials on social networks and the internet. If you need to choose a new mechanic, these impressions can be a reference", punctuation Hiromori.

It is important to pay attention to the items reviewed in the workshop. Check that all components have been properly analyzed. If necessary, make a list and check with the mechanic: brake system; wheels; engine running; oil and other fluids; battery; and injection. Remember that some problems may be silent.

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4. Prefer preventive review

In addition to causing risks to the driver and passengers on board, sudden occurrences in the vehicle bring unexpected expenses and, often, avoidable. With the complete and periodic review it is possible to program yourself better to keep your car's health up to time. "Ideally, maintenance should always be preventive. The need for corrective maintenance, when there's already something wrong, may mean that the vehicle has been neglected and, often, results in a higher expense for repair", warns the expert.

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Other vehicle components require increased attention:

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• Tires: make sure they are in optimal conditions of use, watching the TWI (Tread Wear Indicator), that indicates tread wear, and if they are calibrated at the pressure indicated by the manufacturer. Tip: aligning and balancing vehicle wheels at the correct frequency helps prevent excessive wear and extend tyre life. Also check the validity of the tyres using the DOT code, determining the date of manufacture of the tire.

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• Brake system: check the brake fluid, responsible for braking efficiency and that absorbs water from the environment and should be replaced as directed by the, as well as the situation of the flexible (Hoses), that cannot be dried or leak, and the wear state of the inserts, Tarpaulins, brake discs and drums.

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• Cooling system: Change, in the period indicated, the coolant, which is essential for engine cooling. This fluid is composed of an additive, that prevents oxidation of the system, improves the boiling point of fluid and freezing. There are ready-to-use fluids and concentrates, that should be diluted in demineralized water. Avoid supplementing with tap water that contaminated the system and generates chemical aggressions to the system. Check the fluid level in the radiator and expansion reservoir and observe the engine temperature on the.

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• Oil level: check the engine oil level, which is responsible for lubricating the engine, and the air filters, oil and fuel. If the trading period is close to, the ideal is to make the substitution before you even travel.

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Electrical system: examine battery status, check if the headlights, flashers and aisand arrow lights, that are essential for safe driving, are working properly and replace the bulbs that are burned. Thus, the driver avoids at once accidents and disturbances with traffic authorities because they are mandatory items.

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